So Simple and So Rewarding

     As I told you last week, my friend Terri and I were going to a canning class.  I had some experience with steam canning spaghetti sauce from my garden vegetables, but I wanted to know more.  I can't tell you how excited Terri and I were, and we probably embarrassed ourselves by repeating it exuberantly and often during the class.  Along with seven other enthusiastic ladies, our small group were the recipients of time-honored knowledge on canning and preserving.
     Our class was led by a woman and her two daughters, and daughter-in-law.  They live in a homestead community and canning is a way of life for them.  They have the good fortune of gathering produce from the bountiful harvest of their community gardens, and they can it every day.  I was jealous!
     And I was thrilled to learn that we would get a taste of canning several different types of food, and today, I'm going to share with you the one that I was most interested in learning about.
     My husband made me promise that I would ask them about canning meat, since a grid-down scenario would render our refrigerators and freezers full of meat useless.  So guess what the first thing we canned was?  Steak!  I was so thrilled and couldn't wait to tell him that it was not as mysterious or difficult as I had imagined.
     We started with a nice, hunk of red meat -- chuck steak is what we canned, but any piece of meat will do (more about that later).  We simply cut the excess fat off the edges and cut the meat into approximately 1 inch x 1 inch cubes.  Then we spread out the meat on our cutting board, and added salt and pepper.  That's all!  You can add other herbs and spices if you desire, but I figured the simpler, the better.  I can flavor the meat when I cook my recipes in the future.
     Then we packed the meat into our pint jars, as tightly as we could, leaving about an inch of space at the top.  Then the lid was added and screwed down with the ring.  Our jars were positioned in the canner and cooked at 10 pounds of pressure for 90 minutes.  And the result were beautiful jars of cooked beef, afloat in their own juices.  The cooking process produced the liquid in the jar, without adding any extra.
     I was amazed that it was that simple!  The following pictures give you an idea of just how uncomplicated and effortless it was.

Cut meat into small squares

After seasoning, pack meat into jar as tightly as possible. 

Can for 90 minutes at 10 pounds of pressure

Meat is fully cooked in its own juices

     Now for the REALLY interesting pieces of information.  We were told that you could take any tough piece of meat, and by canning it, you will get a piece of meat so tender, it will fall apart on your fork!  Our instructors said you could take the toughest old rooster and can it, and you would think you were eating gourmet food.  Also, canning venison eliminates the game-y taste.  Plus you can quarter a chicken, and a quart jar will hold the breasts and legs/thighs.  Just think - a tender, juicy chicken in a jar! So my plan is to take the less choice meats in my freezer, thaw them and can them.  Otherwise, I know they would stay in the bottom of my freezer until they were burned, and would then be thrown away.  And I cannot stand the thought of wasting food when I know what we are facing!

     Needless to say, I invested in an All-American canner, which is the only brand I would consider.  I really couldn't afford it, but after realizing that I could provide organic, healthy, and superior food --- and know EXACTLY what was in the jar --- it just seemed a no-brainer.  No more wondering what additives have been thrown into the mix, or where the food came from.  But the best thing about learning this skill is that I can just imagine my grandmothers smiling down from heaven!

Psalm 63:5      "I will be fully satisfied as with the richest of foods; with singing lips my mouth will praise you."

      

        

A Stitch In Time

     I owe today's post to our friend "Lisa" who is sharing the activities of her preparedness group.  Through her ingenuity, she has forged a community of people who are interested in teaching others time-honored skills.  Those willing to teach have come together with those yearning to learn, and together they are encouraging each other.  Lisa recently sent me this email, and the personal experience she has to share will surely light a few lightbulbs above some heads across the land.  Here's what Lisa had to say:


     Belle, thank you so much for bringing our little group to your reader's attention, and I'm hoping and praying that someone will take off with what we're doing and make a difference for themselves, their families, friends and neighbors. I just want to say that it takes a team effort and those that are in our group really do pull together to help make things happen. Even a very small group can make a difference.  Little by little, we move ahead!
     We've had a very busy three days here on the farm.  It's shearing time, and since last year, we have decided to save ourselves some money and do the shearing ourselves.  We ended up saving quite a bit, but it can also be a trade-off --- it takes a lot of practice and strength.  Last year I sheared two of our animals myself, but the clippers get heavy after a while.  Though they don't look like it, they are!  They are deadly dangerous, and they can practically take your finger off, so you have to be very aware of how and where they are being moved around.  We have sixteen animals at this time, having lost two through age and illness.   I had the help of my son Jason and his girlfriend, as well as my friend Myrna in getting them onto the shearing table.   My husband then did the shearing as I controlled the head of each animal.   They were extremely strong for their size and this leads me to the point of my story, and the lesson for your readers.

     We ended up having to call our vet out the first day, as my dear husband cut one of our males pretty good.   "Princeton" (yes, we name them!) jumped and the clippers went into his skin and opened up a six-inch gash.  Though it was an open skin cut, it freaked everyone out of course, except me.  It was on the flank-belly area. I worked for a couple of vets years ago and I did some help with suturing, but I couldn't remember how to do it when the question came up...."Okay, so now what?".... everyone was looking at me and saying that I should sew it up.  Oh no... that wasn't going to be!  I made it clear that the vet should be called because I told them that I truly didn't remember how, though I had all the supplies on hand to do it.  That sent a bell off in my head at that very moment!  
     I knew then that I needed to re-learn how to do it (and properly) as a skill for just such an event in the future.  We have the ability to call a vet today, and have him come and do the suturing.  But as I hung up the phone and walked back to the barn to inform everyone the vet would be there quickly, and all was well;  I knew that I could be put in that same position if something in the future happened to a person and there was no medical help available.  There were four people standing there, and none of us felt competent to take care of that wound.  That told me we had a problem!
     Well, the vet came and we got "Princeton" all taken care of and he is doing well. The doc brought out a surgical staple gun which I've seen, but never used myself until that morning. It was a super little gadget to have on hand and super easy to use.  He left me with one that was new; still in the package, if we needed it in the future.  I will be buying a few more of those dandy little devices to have stored in my emergency medical supplies to have on hand for either our own use or for our pets/livestock, if for some reason medical services aren't available. 
     And I'm taking it a step further .... I am going to go to my friend's vet clinic and have him let me stand in on a couple of surgeries --- to at least observe, and hopefully, to recall the suturing technique.  I want to know that I "can" do it, and if needed, I can step up to the plate. 
     I understand that I can handle a minor wound like "Princeton's", but any serious deep wound; that would would have to be cared for by a doctor.
     I would also suggest that folks keep Betadine solution on hand to go along with this tool. Because I have livestock, I always get the livestock medical supply catalogs and I can tell you that you can get so many items in there for a much cheaper price than you can elsewhere.   A few years ago I ordered a lot of supplies from one particular company, and the woman on the other end told me we must have a lot going on at the farm and I told her things "do happen" and I was more or less preparing for the future!   She laughed, but she didn't get it. The less they know, the better!


     So, as you can see by Lisa's letter, day-to-day tasks can reveal areas that you need to consider should the SHTF.  As you go about your day, evaluate how your life would be effected if the unexpected happened.  Do you have an extra pair of tennis shoes, a ball cap, and extra water stored in your car if you get stranded and have to walk?  Do you have extra medication stored, in case you were unable to fill next month's prescription for your thyroid or heart medicine?  Have you talked to your children, or your parents, about a plan to meet up at a safe location?  These are times that cannot be taken for granted!  Nothing is to be assumed.  Our senses need to be sharp and our minds aware of all kinds of possibilities.  But through sharing our experiences and our knowledge, we can grow and improve our state of readiness.  As Lisa found out, we can do it!  The closing sentence of her letter to me says it all:  Thanks, Belle, for letting me share my story.  It's great trying to reach people with the Spirit of our Lord leading and guiding us along our way!


FYI, you can purchase a disposable skin stapler from Amazon, for under $10.  Buy several to keep on hand.  They are a great supplement to your medical kit.


1 Peter 2:24      "He himself bore our sins" in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; "by his wounds you have been healed."

Sharing Knowledge Is Power

     I am so excited to present today's post!  It has always been my goal for this blog to be a "sharing" experience, and this week my vision is finally taking shape.  I have gained a reasonable-sized audience of like-minded people who, amazingly, seem to be interested in what I have to say.  But I've always hoped my blog would become a clearinghouse of ideas, inspirational messages, and information; whereby we could all share our knowledge and help each other through whatever the future holds.
     And so it was with sheer delight that I opened my emails and received a message from "Lisa".  It doesn't matter what her real name is or where she is from; what matters is that she had something important to convey to all of us.  Through a series of personal emails, Lisa has shared some things I want to pass on to you, and I think you will find, as I did, that her example can be replicated across the globe.
     Lisa started by telling me that she was involved with an Emergency Preparedness Group that started up just a short 4 months ago.  She lives in a small, historic, rural area and decided that she could no longer sit on the sidelines.  She approached some members of the LDS Church, who agreed to help her present a program every second Tuesday of each month.

     The goal of this group was to present information and demonstrations for people in the surrounding area who might be interested in becoming more self-sufficient and "ready".  Their meetings were free to the public, and they promoted the gathering through newspaper advertising and fliers.  While initially disappointed in the low turnout, thinking that everyone would be as excited as she was to learn all they could about becoming prepared, Lisa nevertheless kept moving forward.
     Their meetings are not based on politics or religion; the sole purpose is to provide knowledge.  Last month they covered the basics on canning and food dehydration, and the number of attendees grew.  This past week a gentleman showed the group how to operate a small portable generator; informed them about appropriate wiring and what appliances could be run off that particular size.  He also demonstrated how to use a chainsaw, (stressing safety factors), while also speaking about how to operate a wood stove, the different kinds of woods, and how to use a small log splitter.  Another gentleman demonstrated different ways to start a fire, and another woman showed how to make rope from discarded binder twine from hay and straw bales.  Lisa, herself, demonstrated how to spin wool from fleece, complete with spinning wheel, drop spindle and hand carders.  Future meetings will include information and training for firearms, dutch oven cooking, how to read maps and compasses, radio communications, and what "wealth" really means.
     As Lisa pointed out, to most people "wealth" means dollars; gold and silver.  But it could mean livestock, medicine, seeds, and most importantly skills.  And that's why I think Lisa's group serves as an excellent model for all of us.  By offering free meetings, no one is excluded, and the potential for learning valuable skills is limitless.  At the end of each meeting, they always appeal to the attendees to share any ability or expertise they might have with the group.  This is truly neighbor helping neighbor.
     But as a sign of the uncertain times we live in, Lisa also asked me to pass on the concerns of conducting such programs.  It saddens me that I even need to mention this, but she is right.  We must all be aware of how much we expose of ourselves and our personal information.  If you decide to hold "public" meetings (and there is no reason not to; the sharing of this information is not illegal or dangerous), just be aware that you may not know everyone who attends, and in Lisa's own words, there are people out there in this upside down world that are opportunists and information-gatherers for all the wrong reasons.  But that being said, do not let this inhibit you from starting up a group such as this.  I would just recommend, as Lisa's group has done, to hold your meetings in a public location, and not expose your family or home to possible strangers.  As your group consolidates and unites, you will know who you can trust.  Start small and you will be surprised at how much information and talent there is in your sphere of community.
     Lisa's original goal was to provide a way for people to come together, to meet others with similar viewpoints, and to help those who are anxious to help themselves, their families, their friends and their neighbors.  Lisa spent a lot of time in prayer, asking for direction from God, and she received it.  She stepped forward and found others who were willing to help their neighbors by providing knowledge that would help them survive any event, come what may.
     You can see Lisa's heart when she proclaims, "If one person walks out of one of our meetings, and has learned something that day and puts it into action, then we've succeeded in accomplishing what God put before us!"
     So now, I have two challenges that I, Belle Ringer, would like to present you.  First, follow Lisa's example, and start a monthly meeting.  Offer it free to the public, and hold it in a church basement, at the local community hall, or approach organizations like the VFW.  Start small and offer the knowledge that is sure to be found among you; who knows how to demonstrate a food dehydrator?  How to bake bread? Who has knowledge about solar or wind power?  You will be surprised at the people who will seek you out, once the word gets out.
     Secondly, I REALLY want to hear from more of you about what you are doing in your communities and towns.  And that means EVERYONE!  I have readers across the United States, in Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, India, the Philippines, Croatia, Ukraine, Russia, Brazil..... the list goes on.  You all have something valuable to communicate about your experiences; whether it be preparedness, your culture, your faith.  Rest assured that you will remain anonymous.  We are all part of this crazy world and we can learn from each other.  Indeed, our shared knowledge is true power.  You can email me at the link at the top of the page.  Let's come together and help each other!

Acts 4:32      "All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had."

10 Skills That Increase Your Worth in The Community

     When we finally reach the SHTF scenario that I think we all believe is coming, how do you see yourself?  By that I mean, what will be your role?  What skills can you offer in return for material goods?  Because skills, whether trained or learned, will always be a valuable asset to any community.
     In today's post, I'm going to list 10 essential skills that give you not only the knowledge to survive any disaster or form of chaos, but make you a beneficial member of any group.

1)    Medical Training.   Due to the increase use of saws, axes and knives, there will be more medical emergencies involving deep lacerated cuts.  Knowing how to properly clean wounds, stitch wounds, as well as knowing how to treat infected wounds will be extremely important.  Additionally, there will be an increase in burns from being in closer contact to fires.  Burns can get infected very quickly, and knowing how to decipher the degree of the burn and how to treat it will be a concern among survivalists and preppers.  Knowing basic CPR and First Aid will be very important.  You can do that online.  And if you want to take it further, get trained as an EMT.
2)    Disaster Training.  While there are courses in how to handle disaster situations offered by the Red Cross and FEMA, I know many people who I think probably have more knowledge about how to survive a disaster by reading "How To" manuals from the Survival/Prepper community.  Read James Wesley Rawles, Cody Lundin and others.  You can learn practical skills and pass on your knowledge.
3)    Gardening Skills.  In a long term survival situation, seeds will mean the difference between life and death.  The only problem is, many have lost the necessary skill of gardening because there is a grocery store on every corner of the streets these days!  It’s time to get your hands dirty and get back in touch with nature.  Learning necessary gardening skills such as companion plants, crop rotations, beneficial insects, natural ways to replenish soil, and knowledge on proper gardening tools will be beneficial.  Community gardens will become an essential component of survival, and someone needs to know how to plant, nurture and harvest.  Another relevant knowledge source is understanding the medicinal value of plants and herbs.  It is amazing how many uses there are for plants!

4)    Firearms Training.   This is one survival skill that a person should be as proficient as possible.  Also, practicing gun safety, especially around children, as well as being able to educate others is essential when a firearm is around.  And let's face it, when you are in a situation where you have to defend ourselves, you're gonna want a gun!  And even though we still have our Second Amendment Rights, you would be amazed at how many people in this country fear guns, don't have a gun, don't know how to use a gun, or all of the above.  If you have these skills, you will be one of the most popular people in your community!
5)    Canning and Food Preparation.   Again, these are skills that have been lost over the last couple of generations.  As we turned from an agricultural society to an industrial one, somehow we determined that buying store-bought foods was better, easier, etc. than doing it ourselves.  I, for one, am planning on taking a refresher course in the next month on canning and freezing.  And when TEOTWAWKI happens, there will be no chain grocery store or Whole Foods to shop at.  We will be growing our own vegetables and fruits and we will need to know how to preserve them.
6)    Amateur Radio Skills.   Having a radio is encouraged by many disaster relief organizations, during natural disasters.  And in a SHTF scenario, having knowledge on how to work and maneuver a HAMM radio will provide you and your community with an emergency communication source during a time when most communication is down.  You'll be able to monitor activity in your area and stay in touch with other like-minded groups.
7)    Sewing Skills.   Everyone has heard of how their great-grandmothers would sew quilts out of material from tattered or worn clothing.  Not many of us have this skill anymore.  Sewing classes will not only teach a necessary skill, but it will also get the survival mindset in place: make something new out of what you have available.  So if you have a sewing machine, pull it out of the bottom of the closet, dust it off, and make sure it is oiled and properly maintained.  If you don't have one, consider investing in one.  You will be a valuable asset to your family and others.

8)    Outdoor/Survival Skills.   Again, survival skills are a learned talent.  My husband has been an outdoorsman his whole life, but he has greatly increased his knowledge simply by reading.  You can research books online and find ones that give detailed instruction on fire-making, building a shelter, sharpening knives, hunting small game, etc.  These will be absolutely necessary for your family to survive any kind of disaster.  It can mean the difference between life and death. Among his favorites are Mykel Hawke's Green Beret Survival Manual, and Bradford Angiers' How To Stay Alive In The Woods: A Complete Guide to Food, Shelter, and Self-Preservation Anywhere. 
9)    Candle/Soap-Making.   Soap and candle-making are a lost art form.  Having a background knowledge of these skills would also be a great bartering skill.  I recently took a class and posted about my experience.  There is something about the feel and smell of natural soap that is comforting.  And believe me, we are going to need these essential items for a simpler life-style, and if they bring comfort, too, then that's a plus.
10)  Hunting Skills.   It goes without saying, that we will need to hunt wild game for a food source.  This also becoming a lost art.  A century ago, every red-blooded American male knew how to gut and skin the carcass, and process the meat.  Even today, among Peace-Loving Warriors friends, many are good marksmen and can deliver the shot, but he's constantly amazed how many don't handle the processing of their animal properly.  If you can do it all, from A to Z, your skills will mean the difference between hunger and feast.
     These are just a few of the skills that will be important and essential in the near future.  I'm sure you all have ideas of your own, and I welcome your input.  Let's share our knowledge and skills, and make life a little easier for our fellow man, while ensuring a position of importance in our communities.  There will be no "entitlement" in our new existence, and we will all need to be productive members of the population.

Deuteronomy 33:11    "Bless all his skills, LORD, and be pleased with the work of his hands. Strike down those who rise against him, his foes till they rise no more."

Get To The Point

     I am an unabashed fan of survival shows, including Man/Woman/Wild; Man vs. Wild; Dual Survival, etc.  And from the time I was a little girl, I loved the adventures of our pioneers and their stories of settling our frontiers, surviving the wilderness and living off the land.

Mykel Hawke

     So I ask you, what is the one tool that Bear Grylls, Mykel Hawke, and yes, even my favorite, Daniel Boone, would not leave home without?  A knife!
     A knife is the single most important tool that any prepper or survivalist can have -- and it must be maintained!  It is your primary line of defense on so many fronts.  Food preparation, meat processing, the ability to create fire, and various weaponry all depend on the use of a knife.  And the ability to effectively use a knife relies on one aspect .... a sharp knife!  A knife with no edge is just a metal club with a pretty handle.
     My husband, Peace-Loving Warrior, is a master at knife-sharpening.  In our culture, a boy is given his first knife as early as he can handle one without cutting himself; usually around 7 or 8.  Boys become young men, who become old men, and all the while a knife is their constant companion.  But I am continually amazed at the number of his big, tough buddies who have been hunters all their lives, yet walk around with the dullest of blades.  It's a matter of pride for PLW to always carry a sharpened knife, and he is forever sharpening the blades of those less disciplined.    
     In the realm of survivor skills, if you know how to correctly sharpen a knife, you will be in the smallest of percentages for people with a usable skill.  Consider this:  This one ability gives you a "Post-Collapse" skill that will allow you to trade for barter items.
     "So, what's the big deal?" you ask.  "Anybody can buy a sharpening tool at Cabelas, Northern Tool or Sears.  Knife sharpening isn't magic!"
     You're right ---- it's not magic.  But it IS an old-school skill that continues to decline in the wake of the latest and greatest technological advances in knife-sharpening.  These advances, (in my opinion), are an effort to skip the easy, time-tested techniques that are, in reality, the simplest and most effective methods.  All it takes is a bit of effort and a little time.
     I convinced PLW to show me the steps he uses to sharpen knives, and the following photos exhibit each step that took him a total of 6 minutes to go from a dull to a shaving edge.  I admit it doesn't look as fancy and impressive as "two swipes and split the tomato" that you'll see on a late-night infomercial, but 6 minutes to get a sharp blade isn't a huge time investment.  What do you need?  It's simple; just three items:
1.  A 5" or 6" carborundum stone
2.  A 6" Arkansas Oil stone
3.  A bottle of honing or machine oil.

     Here are PLW's instructions in his own words:  "Start with the Carborundum Stone.  I like to use plain tap water on mine.  The stone will suck up water; just add a few sprinkles now and then.  Just like in PHOTO 1, you pull the knife from the bottom of the blade to the tip.  The series of photos (1-6) shows you the exact process.  Go slow and follow my sequence..... bottom to tip on the draw stroke (photos 1-3); bottom to tip on the out stroke (photos 4-6).
     These are the only two motions required to hone any knife.  The only other factor is angle.  And this is where the nail-biting and mystery of this craft come in.  You will find that utility knives usually sharpen anywhere between 15- and 24- degrees, but don't obsess over getting the right angle.  The specific angle is not as important as keeping a constant angle. 
     Just remember to lay the knife flat on the stone, then lift the back of the blade about 1/4" off the stone and start the draw stroke.  Repeat this motion for the out stroke and continue until your blade is sharp."
     PLW likes to work his dull blades about 2-3 minutes on the carborundum stone to get his blade shaped, and to create a rough sharpened edge.  The carborundum is able to sharpen so fast by removing more metal, and these 2-3 minutes are usually all it takes to make a dull blade ready for the oil stone.

     He adds 1/2 teaspoon of machine oil or honing oil to the Arkansas stone, and repeats the series of draw strokes and out strokes.  After 2-4 minutes on your oil stone, you should have a "shaving" sharp edge.  The oil stone removes all burrs and polishes your final edge.  The oil serves to lift the tiny particles of steel you are removing and floats them to the surface, keeping the stone from becoming clogged and losing its cutting ability.
     That's it!  If you will take the time to learn these methods and purchase the three items listed above, you can service any knife; from a straight razor to a 12" Chef's Knife.  And you will be widely sought after for your valuable skill!

 Ecclesiastes 10:10     "If the ax is dull and its edge unsharpened, more strength is needed, but skill will bring success. "  

The Tippy Tap

     I am always on the lookout for methods of doing things that can be adapted for our use in the case of weather-related catastrophes, national crises, or emergency situations which limit our access to modern conveniences.
     I stumbled across this technology, called "The Tippy Tap", that is being used in third-world countries by relief organizations.  Hygiene, as you can imagine, is a problem in under-developed countries, where disease takes its toll on human life.   The Tippy Tap is a hands-free way to wash your hands that is especially appropriate for areas where there is no running water, which could easily be a scenario in any of the above described circumstances.
     It is operated by a foot lever and reduces the chance for bacteria transmission because the user touches only the soap.  The water source is left uncontaminated.
    It uses only 40 millilitres of water (which is a little over 1/4 cup) to wash your hands.  Additionally, the used “waste” water can go to plants or back into the water table.  The first ‘official’ Tippy Tap was built in the eighties by Dr. Jim Watt in Zimbabwe using a gourd.  Since then, many variations  have come into existence depending on local materials and aesthetics.
     The illustrations below, show you just how easy it would be to set up a Tippy Tap:

   
     I was so impressed with this technology that I just had to pass it along, and I'm sure you engineering geniuses out there can come up with ways to modify it.  But if we are ever faced with a crisis that results in rampant disease and infection, personal hygiene will be at the top of everyone's list of "survival" demands.
     Diarrhea and gastrointestinal infections are responsible for 2.2 million deaths worldwide each year; and mostly in children in developing countries.  But we all know that a natural disaster, such as a hurricane or tornado, can disrupt our sophisticated water treatment facilities.  Add the possibilities of terrorist events or other national emergencies, and we will all realize just how much we took for granted the simple task of washing our hands.  The spread of cholera and dysentery would not be out of the question.
     But with this simple design, everyone has access to a bar of soap and unpolluted water, which will go a long way to keeping these life-threatening diseases at bay.  Back to the basics works for me!

2 Samuel 22:21    "The LORD has dealt with me according to my righteousness; according to the cleanness of my hands he has rewarded me."

Recommended Book: "Survivors" by James Wesley Rawles

     Ever since reading his book, "How To Survive The End of The World As We Know It", I have been a fan of James Wesley Rawles.  His blog, called "Survivalblog.com" is one of the first things I read each morning, after my Bible.  His no-nonsense, practical advise on preparing for a socio-economic collapse lends a voice of credence to the maelstrom of "experts" on the subject.
     The fact that he is an avowed Christian also gives his opinions merit, as far as I'm concerned.  In his own words:  "As a Christian, I feel morally obligated to assist others who are less fortunate. Following the Old Testament laws of tzedakah (charity and tithing), I believe that my responsibility begins with my immediate family and expands in successive rings to supporting my immediate neighborhood and church, to my community, and beyond, as resources allow. My philosophy is to give until it hurts in times of disaster."  
     But he doesn't mince words when it comes to your responsibility to prepare for your family:  "If you are serious about preparedness, then it is time to get out of your armchair and start training and preparing. It will take time. It will take some sweat. It will take money. But once you’ve prepared, you can sleep well, knowing that you’ve done your best to protect and provide for your family, regardless of what the future brings. Don’t get stuck in the rut of simply *studying* preparedness. Unless the shelves in your pantry and garage are filling with supplies, and unless you are growing muscles and calluses, you are not preparing."

     And that brings me to his latest book, titled "Survivors: A Novel of the Coming Collapse".  It is set in the very near future, and The Crunch is in full swing.  American society quickly disintegrates after the Federal Reserve's fiat currency collapses.  Roving gangs and competing governmental factions result in chaos for millions of people as they struggle with adapting to a "new way" of American life; one that has no use for an industrialized, technological society with no life skills.
     The protagonist in Rawles's latest novel is a young Army officer, Andrew Laine, who is serving in Afghanistan.  The book relates his travels and trials as he fights his way home to his family in New Mexico from half a world away.  In keeping with the author's Christian principles, our hero maintains his moral standards in obviously difficult situations, but is capable of applying righteous violence when necessary to protect his own life or the lives of innocent victims.
     As with anything written by James Wesley Rawles, the reader will find themselves taking notes, or committing to memory, many of the skills and survival techniques that are portrayed throughout the book.  His career in the military; his extensive research on family preparedness and food storage; and his staunch support of the Second Amendment, make him one of the foremost authorities on preparing for a natural or manufactured crisis.
     And if you are just discovering this wonderful writer, I urge you to also check out his other book, "Patriots".  Each of his books will provide you with valuable information and help you adopt a "survivor" mentality, which will serve you well, come what may.
     My copy of Patriots is dog-eared and highlighted, and I'm still finding new solutions and resources for possible hardships and challenges.  And in my first reading of Survivors, two things really jumped off the page at me.  (I promise not to spoil the book for you!)  The first is how important small denominations of gold will be to barter through dangerous economies.  Andrew Laine was able to make his way towards home because of the resources he had, and you should consider them as an essential part of your BOB, as well.
     Secondly, I realized how deficient my husband and I are in radio communications.  You'll have to read the novel, but Andrew is able to communicate and receive intel from the States by employing a little Kaito KX1 transceiver and some wire.  And because of reading this book, we now know this is an area we need to work on.
     Many people (including members of my own family) will avoid these books because they are a scary look into a different world that is fast approaching, and they choose not to confront their fears or the worries of an uncertain future.  Or you can choose to face the monster, prepare, and move forward with a moral and godly foundation.
    Whatever your reasons for exploring these books, read them to take advantage of Mr. Rawles' vast knowledge.  And then, like me, if you start out your day seeking knowledge from the Word of God, followed by some practical education from the accepted "survival guru" of our day.....well, you've prepared the best you can.   


Luke 6:49     "But the one who hears my words and does not put them into practice is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. The moment the torrent struck that house, it collapsed and its destruction was complete.”

Saturday Morning Commentary: A Simple "Thank You" Is Not Enough

     I have had the pleasure, along with my husband, of being able to introduce nearly 100 people to an experience they never expected to get involved in, let alone enjoy.  In fact, I would hazard a guess that the vast majority of them were terrified the first time they picked up a handgun.  But they faced the scary monster, knowing we've come to a time in our history when it is beneficial for them to be educated in the art of gun-handling.  They were now ready to take that first important step:  professional instruction in a safe and secure environment.
     This post is not about the satisfaction I have when a woman, who was scared to death of picking up an unloaded gun at the beginning of the training, leaves the range at the end of the day wanting more.  It is not about seeing her sense of accomplishment and a new appreciation for her ability to defend herself.
     Instead, it is about the selfless commitment and dedication of the instructors, who give up their weekends and time off with their families to offer their skills and knowledge to neophytes who don't know the difference between a clip and a magazine, and don't have the first clue how to even pick up a handgun.

     Last weekend, we enlisted their help once again, and they answered the call.  We only had 7 students this time, hardly worth giving up a beautiful spring Saturday.  But they didn't hesitate.  They spent as much time, with as much patience, as if we had brought them our normal class of 22 - 25.  As they expressed to the group, they love what they do.  Their enthusiasm for introducing women to tactical gun training is evident in their calm, relaxed manner and their eagerness for each student to become proficient in the basic gun-handling skills.
     Whether it is a woman handling a gun for the first time, or a seasoned male shooter who thought he knew it all, every person we have introduced to these instructors has thanked us over and over for introducing them to this level of professional gun training.  They leave the range a safer gun owner; exhausted, but excited about the skills they've acquired.
     So I want to personally thank Daryl, Jay, Pat, Lisa and Dr. Tobin, and ALL the professional gun instructors across this great nation who provide a valuable service in maintaining a free citizenry.  We appreciate you!

Product Recommendation: "The Puck"; A Multi-Purpose Tool Sharpener

     I decided to interview my husband, the Peace-Loving Warrior, for this post.  He was a knife-maker in a former life (both fixed blades and folders), and is really the expert on this specific product.

     "The Puck" is a compact multi-purpose tool sharpener and we both feel that it is an invaluable tool for the self-sustaining person, whether you are a man or a woman.  "The Puck" is made by Lansky, and in the interest of full disclosure, PLW wants you to know that he has generally not been impressed with Lanksy's products.  Here's what he has to say:
     "I think the Lanksy sharpening system is functional, and may fill a small void for the basic beginner, but all in all, I find Lansky products overly complicated and relatively expensive and gimmicky.  With that being said, Lanksy's newest product, called "The Puck" is outstanding for the niche it fills."
     For those of you interested in leading a completely self-sustaining lifestyle, as well as those who are weekend gardeners, "The Puck" is designed to sharpen large work blades .... hoes, shovels, axe blades, mauls, grubbing hoes, mower blades, hatchets and machetes.  They are all well-served by this simple tool.
     PLW wants to emphasize that "The Puck" is not a knife sharpener, it is a tool sharpener.  "What I like about "The Puck" is that it easily maintains the edge on your implements.  In the past, I've typically relied on a mill file or carbide pull-type sharpener for this kind of tool sharpening.  And there will be times when these two items are the best solution.  But the file and carbide sharpeners usually remove too much metal from your implement and shorten its life; especially machetes which have thin, flexible blades.  Files and carbides should be used to remove nicks and gaps, and preparing extremely dull blades for final sharpening with "The Puck".
     See why I relied on his knowledge and expertise on this topic? Instead of just passing on this information to you, I felt it was important for you to hear from someone who has had experience with the product.  And we all know that dull tools create more work and generally make your efforts more difficult.  I think we can all agree that if TEOTWAWKI hits, having your hand tools sharp and in tip-top shape will make short order of your work.
     Sharp hoes make weeding and maintenance a breeze; dull hoes only push offensive weeds deeper into the soil.  Sharp shovels, in even the most packed soil, lessens the pressure on your back and legs.  According to PLW, where "The Puck" really shines is with machetes, axes and hatchets.  "I like a sharp, but somewhat ragged edge for these tools --- much like sharp tin.  The Puck's medium grit side is perfect for those edges.  Let me explain:  The Puck has a dual grit; a coarse side for badly worn edges that need to be reshaped; and a medium grit side for finer blade work."

     As you can see from the photos below, PLW demonstrated the use of "The Puck" and he used a few drops of honing oil to make short order of his little Norlund kindling hatchet.  The honing oil serves to lift the tiny particles of metal that the stone is removing, and keeps them from clogging the stone and therefore, reducing its effectiveness. 

     "The Puck" is inexpensive (about $5-$8); compact and easy to carry in your pocket, toolbox, or backpack.  So I hope you will consider adding it to your stash of prep gear.  If the zombies breach your perimeter, a sharp machete might be the perfect answer, don't you think?  And according to PLW, "The Puck, a 10 inch mill file by Nicholson (with handle), and an AccuSharp carbide pull sharpener are the three necessary items to meet your tool needs."
     So take it from my expert and order "The Puck".  Your edges will be sharp and you'll never have another excuse for a dull blade again!

Hebrews 4:12     "For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart."

What Gun Culture 2.0 Can Teach Culture 1.0

     Ok, I know this is probably going to be a controversial post.  And first and foremost, I want everyone to understand that what I'm about to say is not intended to criticize or offend anyone.  It is simply an observation from my personal experiences.  So, here goes....
     As a member of Gun Culture 2.0 (those who did not grow up around guns, but came to it from a self-defense position), I have approached gun ownership from a completely different perspective than a lot of my husband's generation.  Gun Culture 1.0 had shotguns and rifles in their hands before they entered first grade.  Hunting is second nature to them, and they are certain the Second Amendment is their God-given right.
     They are all good shots and gun safety is intuitive and instinctive to them.  I, on the other hand, am new to the handling of guns, and I came to gun ownership through a desire to be able to competently defend myself.  Therefore, my instruction came at the hands of professional trainers, who not only taught me how to hit my target, but instructed me on gun safety and how to regard my right to carry a weapon.
     That's where some of the members of 1.0 and 2.0 part ways.  I have grown to enjoy listening to "Gun Talk", a radio program hosted by Tom Gresham.  I have been amazed at the number of 1.0 members that think we should recreate the Alamo in pushing Second Amendment rights.  They don't care what public opinion is in regards to gun ownership.... "We have the Second Amendment and they can't take that away from us."

     But I would like to put forth another argument.  I think we better care about what the public thinks, because that same public can vote and start chipping away at that Second Amendment right!  No matter what anybody tries to say, the issue of gun ownership is being tried in the court of public opinion. Namely, I can foresee Concealed Carry becoming our opponent's first rallying cry.
     Consider this:  our political power as gun owners owes a lot to 2.0 members.  The more people who have CCLs and get the proper training, the harder it will be to take that right away.  These millions of CCL holders are building a wall between the Government and the Second Amendment.  Every CCL permit is another brick in that wall which protects the Second Amendment.
    But when shooters like George Zimmerman make the decisions they do, it taints us all.   Yes, he had the requisite permit to carry a gun, but I think it's fair to say he had not received the proper training in regards to the use of that weapon.  Just having a permit to carry doesn't mean you know how to approach a given situation.  (We are taught in training, never to go looking for trouble.  Obviously, that wasn't a consideration for Zimmerman).
     I believe in the right to carry concealed -- that's why I got my permit.  But I was uncomfortable with handling a gun and sought proper training.  Because of that training, I have learned how to react in different situations and when it is acceptable to pull your weapon.  I have been taught a self-defense mindset that is completely different from a gun owner with an untrained perspective.
    Yes, the right to carry arms is guaranteed in the Constitution, but remember.... Amendments can be eroded and even repealed.  And if you get enough voters to influence the right politicians, it is not unreasonable to expect that this most sacred of amendments can become a thing of the past.  
     When we push the issue, and try to create a "Rosa Parks" moment, and declare "We ain't backing down!", then I'm afraid we alienate those who can vote our right away.
     Am I passionate about preserving this right?  You bet I am!  But am I seeing a difference in attitude between the professionally trained gun owners of Culture 2.0, and some of the "born and bred" owners of Culture 1.0?  Absolutely!  We need to come together in our approach and play this smart.  We need each other!
      But don't take it from me.... read Michael Bane, Tom Gresham, Masayoob, Tiger McKee.  They'll tell you that without training, you don't even know what you don't know.  My own husband, Peace-Loving Warrior, is an excellent example of Gun Culture 1.0.  He grew up hunting and shooting competitively, and will be the first to admit that his gun training was the best thing he ever did!  Until we can get Gun Culture 1.0 to see the difference between marksmanship and real gun training, I think we will continue to have ongoing Zimmerman-type problems.  And his "in your face" position and strategy doesn't result in the gun ownership protections we both seek.

Romans 14:19     "Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification."

What I Learned In 5 Seconds

     When my husband announces that he has a new drill he wants me to practice, I have two reactions:  1)  Apprehension - Will I perform it competently?  and  2)  Eagerness - Any time practicing with my carry gun can be nothing but good!
     We first saw this drill on pistol-training.com, and then read an article by Richard Mann, a former law enforcement officer who developed the drill based on common handgun responses he detected.  What he learned was that your ability to survive a gunfight depends on your performance level under stress --- it's that plain and simple.  To quote Mr. Mann, "Any gun is better than no gun -- but only if you can get it out quick and can hit what you need to hit, repeatedly, with speed and decisiveness." 
     It was interesting to read his observations, but I wanted to know how I would perform!  So we went to our private little shooting range (just across the barbed wire fence and down by the tank), and I geared up.
     The name of the drill is the Four-Five (or 45) because it consists of four elements of 5:  five shots at five yards inside a five-inch circle in five seconds.  Sound simple?  Think again.  First of all, to be an accurate reflection of real-world performance, the drill must be performed from the holster.  After all, if you are involved in a shooting, it will more than likely take place when you are carrying concealed.  Secondly, a "real life" situation will put tremendous stress on you, so to replicate that pressure you need a Shot Timer that emits a shrill beep when the timer begins.  And you need a 5-inch circle or square.  This is the exact size of the target I was shooting at:

     So I decided to first see what I could do at 3 yards; see what my stress reaction was to the startling high octave shriek of the Shot Timer.  Then I performed the drill at the specified 5 yards and here are some of my results:

At 3 yards           all 5 hits             4.6 seconds  (No problem if the perp is right on top of me).

At 5 yards           4 of 5 hits           5.1 seconds  (Trying to make time; accuracy suffered a bit).

At 5 yards           5 of 5 hits           6.4 seconds  (Concentrated on accuracy, but lost significant speed).

I then expanded my space to 15 yards and tried the drill, just to see how distance affected speed and accuracy.  It obviously affected both!

At 15 yards         4 of 5 hits           7.8 seconds   (Distance adds serious time; accuracy also declines).

     So what was the overriding lesson I learned?  PRACTICE! PRACTICE! PRACTICE!  I now have a good idea of what my performance standard is.  I also know that in order to increase my skills and be able to perform the drill accurately and with speed, I need to practice until I can get all 5 shots in that 5-inch square from 5 yards out, in 5 seconds..... and do it on demand, consecutively and repeatedly.  Then I will know that I can perform under stress and have reached a competent skill level for basic self-defense.
     This is an exceptional drill for anyone with a Concealed Carry License, but especially for women.  It is not natural for us to carry a weapon, let alone be confident to handle one under stress.  Practicing this drill until you are proficient at it will make it second nature for you.  The only equipment you really need is a Shot Timer and a 5-inch square drawn on a piece of cardboard.
     And I don't need to tell you that practice is the foundation to being a skilled defensive handgun owner.  I have shown you a drill whereby you can easily learn your performance standard, and then practice until you reach your goal.....speed and accuracy.  Quoting Mr. Mann again, "Without practicing what you learn, you have in essence learned nothing."

1 Corinthians 3:10     "By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as a wise builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one should build with care."

"Distance From Disorder" Is Desired State of Being

     A few nights ago, I spent over two hours listening to "Frank", the Criminal Defense Attorney I introduced you to a few posts back.  As promised, he put on a seminar for about 35 Concealed Handgun License holders, and bottom line...... he scared the pants off me!
     Of course the Trayvon Martin/George Zimmerman case was at the forefront of his presentation and provided quite a bit of material for discussion.  Frank reminded us that our CHL is a privilege, granted by the State --- not a right.  He then spent considerable time explaining the legal ramifications of being involved in a shooting.  Terms like "Reasonable Belief"; "Deadly Force in Defense of Person", "Adequate Cause" and "Sudden Passion" were all foreign expressions that he assured us would become part of our vocabulary should we ever need his services.
     But the concept that rocked my world was the fact it would be my responsibility to explain "the reasonableness" of my actions.  It became very clear to me, and was backed up by Frank's authoritative counsel, that my conduct would be "reviewed" for its "reasonableness under the circumstances."
     And that, my dear readers, is exactly what is happening in the Martin/Zimmerman case.  Regardless of the fact that three major news outlets (NBC, ABC, and CNN) have admitted to doctoring video and audio tapes to present a fictitious version of what happened that night, it will be your responsibility to prove you acted in self-defense.  Did you act intentionally, knowingly, recklessly or with criminal negligence?  Your actions will be scrutinized and judged by media with an agenda, social groups who don't have all the facts, and a judicial system that will put you under the microscope.  After discussing these legal issues of the case, we pretty much all agreed that, regardless of Trayvon Martin's innocence or guilt, Zimmerman handled the situation badly.
     So, my first thoughts were, why would I ever try to defend myself with a weapon?  And if I felt threatened, would I hesitate, knowing that I would have to face the aftermath of my actions?  Would that split moment of hesitation cost me my life?

     These questions are addressed in an excellent article by Gabe Suarez, a noted tactical trainer from Arizona.  Mr. Suarez states that the controversy in Florida will divide gun owners into two absolute camps.  One, the ”never get involved in anything” crowd will point to this and say “You see…we are right”.  The other, the Captain America Defender of the Innocent crowd will say Zimmerman was right.  But there are no absolutes in this world, and Suarez offered some sage advice.
     He teaches his students that they should seek “distance from disorder” in their lives, and unless something shocks the consciousness of humanity, to mind their own business.  As an example, he compared two different scenarios:  a) a suspicious-looking kid walking the neighborhood, and b) an active shooter in a restaurant.  The first situation is none of your personal business -- call the cops and let them do their job.  The other, if you happen to be there, is in fact your business, and should you decide to take an active part in that situation, your actions could save a lot of lives.
     In other words, you don't know what that kid is up to, or if he even has a weapon, and the important wording here is you don't know!  And it's not your duty or responsibility to find out.  However, if someone is shooting up your local restaurant, there are bodies everywhere, and blood all around, then it would be "reasonable" to assume you would stop the killing spree if you are able to.
    There's another fact we must all consider:  in a perfect world, the justice system would be ruled by truth and fairness.  Too often it is is controlled by politics and money.  And none of this makes me feel any better.  I take my privilege of having a CHL very seriously.  I spend lots of money and time to get expertly trained, so that I do not make the kinds of mistakes that appear to have been made in this controversial case.  I want to feel confident that my training will give me the proper instincts, without worrying about an unprincipled media and a corrupt judicial system.  I believe in being able to properly defend myself, and I will not let those of the "anti-gun" persuasion convince me that society would be better off without the Second Amendment.
     And in just the last couple of days, there is another fly in the ointment, so to speak.  Racial tensions are at the boiling point, with extremists on both sides of the equation calling for revolution.  This situation makes it even more imperative that we distance ourselves from involvement in violence and bloodshed; while simultaneously knowing when it's time to defend ourselves.
     And no one can tell us when that will be.  Everyone has to make their own decision.  The hard truth is that we live in a decaying society, and I choose to take the serious step of training to defend myself.  I am not interested in becoming a hero, so unless I, or my loved ones, are directly harmed then I will not become involved.  I will keep a safe distance from disorder, and unfortunately that means I probably won't be coming to your rescue.  I urge you to take the steps I did and choose to defend yourself; but get the requisite training and know the law.  It's a complicated issue and incidents like the one in Florida will continue to draw attention to a gun culture with inadequate training.  
   

Isaiah 59:14     "So justice is driven back, and righteousness stands at a distance; truth has stumbled in the streets, honesty cannot enter."

Should You Stay or Should You Go?

     As I was thinking about a conversation Peace-Loving Warrior and I had the other night with some new friends, the lyrics of the old Clash song came to mind:

Should I stay or should I go now?

If I go there will be trouble

And if I stay it will be double

So come on and let me know

Should I stay or should I go?

     Our topic of conversation centered around a concern the wife had.  What if she was at work, (which is about a 30-minute drive from her rural home), and an "event" occurred.....anything from an EMP to civil unrest.  What should be her appropriate course of action?  Should she make sure she keeps ample survival supplies on hand at the office (food, flashlights, warm clothes if its winter, firestarter, water, etc.) and just hunker down until the event blows over?

     Or should she have a Go-Bag that she can shoulder and immediately start for home?  Her first inclination was to just stay put in the relative safety of her office.  If she had enough food and a weapon to defend herself, she felt she could hold out until things blew over and then she could just drive home.

     But then we played out a different scenario.  What if it was truly an EMP?  She won't be driving anywhere.  And what if it's major chaos -- rioting, looting, burning?  How long before the uncivil residents of the city run out of food and start going door to door to take everyone else's?  That will happen in either of the aforementioned scenarios.  In which case, her position will be overrun.

     We quickly came to a consensus:  if it is an EMP situation, you probably have two days, three at the most, before those who have not prepared run out of food; and if it is full-blown civil unrest, you have less time than that.  So we all decided she should be prepared to leave as soon as possible, whether that meant she loaded her truck up and got the hell out of there, taking the back roads.....OR, if the grid is down, she puts on her comfortable, broken-in hiking boots that stay in her truck, shoulders her back-pack, holsters her weapon, and heads off cross country for home.  We decided if she had the GPS coordinates for home, a good compass and a map would allow her to stay off main roads and make a straight line for her destination.  A handy pair of nippers to cut through barbed wire that she can't climb over is a must (this is a moral question that everyone has to answer for themselves, and restitution would be mandatory -- cutting fences is a serious offense in ranching country!)

          In the final analysis, we all agreed that staying put was not an option.  She would be leaving herself open to many more threats than taking her chances on the road.  But I want to commend her for playing out this story line in her head.  She will be at a tremendous advantage if and when that time comes.  She will be way ahead of everyone who will be caught by surprise when the flashpoint happens.  She will be way out in front and she will increase her chances of surviving the event tenfold.  This is a woman with a plan!  

Proverbs 16:9     "In their hearts humans plan their course, but the LORD establishes their steps."

Use It Or Lose It

     My husband, the Peace-Loving Warrior, is an artist.  After just a week or so off from disciplined work in his studio, he notices an immediate decline in his drawing ability.  The motor skills involved with drawing and painting require that they be repeated often; that you pay constant attention to retaining them.
     The same holds true with your shooting skills.  So, listed below are five ways to increase your competence and performance with your pistol.  And let me make it clear, that your first priority is to get REAL training from professionals.  All of these methods below should be reinforced by your instructors.
1.  Learn to draw your gun properly from a trainer.  Then it's your responsibility to practice your draw repeatedly.....Master Grip; Lift and Clear; Roll and Lock; Punch Out.  Do it until it is an unconscious process.  Create muscle memory.

2.  Dry fire in your home.  Of course, before you begin this drill, it is imperative that you do a chamber check, both visually and with your finger.  Have no ammo in the room and maintain your "safe direction" rules. This dry fire drill allows you to practice your trigger press, maintain a sight picture until the trigger breaks, and then follow through.  After the shot, work on catching the link (or resetting the trigger).
3.  Have good gear.  Good holsters, mag pouches and belts only improve your shooting.  Fighting a nylon holster that doesn't support the weapon only leads to frustration.  A Blade Tech Revolution holster costs $30 and solves this problem for a reasonable cost.
4.  Consider buying a shot timer.  A shot timer measures your speed from your draw to the time the shot is fired, as well as additional shots.  A shot timer gives you a frame of reference and a goal to shoot for.  It will be the best money you spend (after your initial training) to improve your speed and accuracy.  No other training tool illustrates the speed vs. accuracy issue, and it helps you find your "sweet spot" between the two.  I would recommend the Pocket Pro 2 from Midway USA.

5.  Go to pistol-training.com.  Select a drill for that week's training regimen.  These drills are fun and tend to work on specifics.  Some work on speed; some on strong hand-only; others are two-hand precision drills.  Some of my favorites are the Bill drill and the Press Six drill.  If the drill requires a special target, like the Press Six drill, then pistol-training.com provides a PDF file of the target you can print out.  Many others require only 3x5 cards or standard IDPA targets.
     If you will follow these simple methods, they will allow you to increase your training, speed and skill without breaking the ammo bank.  I constantly see plinkers who equate training to total rounds spent at the shooting range.  "750 rounds in an hour must mean I did some serious training."  Wrong!  You just wasted 750 rounds of ammo and learned nothing.  Here is a much better use of your time and money:  fifty rounds fired in a two-shot sequence with a polished, safe and proper draw, in under two seconds.  That's what I'm talking about!
     So cutting to the chase, here's what I'm trying to say .... when you start down this path of training how to properly implement your pistol, it's just as important to practice what you've learned.  Practice with a goal in mind; repetition increases competence, and competence keeps you safe.  It may be said too often, but in this case it's true --- Use it or lose it!

2 Corinthians 3:5     "Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God."        

 

Who Is Ragnar Benson?

     Let's say for the sake of discussion that you are in a car that's gone completely off the cliff and you've landed squarely in Crazy Town.  If that describes you, and you're looking for some cool, "out there" skills, may I suggest you do some research on Ragnar Benson and Paladin Press.  He's a particular favorite of my husband, the Peace-Loving Warrior, and I can almost guarantee that you and your husband will find his writings intriguing, to say the least.
     According to Wikipedia, Ragnar Benson is the pen name of a prolific survivalist author who specializes in preparedness topics, particularly survival retreats, hunting, trapping, austere medicine, explosives, firearms and improvised weapons.  As you can tell by the topics he favors, he and his publications are construed as controversial, and some of his books have been banned from importation into Canada.

     No one knows very much about his background or personal life.  His real name has not been revealed publicly.  He is apparently the son of a German immigrant and in his book Urban Survival he recounts some of his father's experiences growing up in Germany after World War I.  As of 1999, he supposedly lived ".... on nine acres in southern Idaho with his pet skunks and his wife and 100-plus guns of varying calibre."  Can you see why he would drive the Elites crazy?
     His travels have taken him to Rhodesia, Southeast Asia, as well as some type of military stint at Fort Benning, Georgia.  On a radio show in 2010, Benson mentioned that he had traveled to more than 90 countries.   He has also been a private investigator for 25 years.
     You can tell when your read his books that Ragnar knows his stuff---- you're just not sure where he learned his stuff, or in what capacity.  PLW's favorite book was Survivalist Medicine Chest, and he has loved the opportunity to vicariously experience all of Ragnar's adventures.  Survival Poaching was not so much a favorite because of the poaching aspect of the book, but for the many interesting ways to secure game animals for food.

     Ragnar's books cover politics to weapons to survival.  Urban Survival is an interesting read, debunking the myth that one needs to "bug out" to a mountain retreat to survive a SHTF scenario.  Although you definitely need a whole different set of survival skills to make it in the city, it can be done , and Ragnar tells you how to find water, trap and butcher game, preserve food, position a retreat for maximum safety and how to barter with other survivors.
     Live off the Land in the City and Country is written specifically for survivalists and retreaters, and reveals a totally practical survival program.  Ragnar even offers old Indian secrets and advice on survival medicine, firearms, preserving food and diesel generation.  His topics are relevant and timely.
     I have to warn you, Ragnar's survival world is a scary place, but the knowledge he imparts is so valuable.  His books should be a part of any Prepper or Survivalist's library.
     So now that you've been introduced to Ragnar Benson, it's safe to steer your car away from Crazy Town.  Just be ready to make a detour if you see a sign for the Highway to Hell ..... Ragnar's probably been there, too, and can give you directions to a safe haven.

Acts 27:34     "Now I urge you to take some food.  You need it to survive.  Not one of you will lose a single hair from his head."