This weeks preps check-in

[WGregMiller]

It has water, and is 20 miles from nowhere and 30 miles from much of anywhere else. Near a town (if you’re really generous) called Waterloo, population around 200. Now I can’t get the damn song outta my head, lol.

80 acres. Should be interesting at least. Closest house to this property is about a half mile. Next one is about 3 miles... maybe I want to grow up to be a hermit....

Oh, it’s also about 2 miles from the Tennessee River and there’s a large state wildlife refuge bordering the north side.

 

[Brent S]

It has water, and is 20 miles from nowhere and 30 miles from much of anywhere else. Near a town (if you’re really generous) called Waterloo, population around 200. Now I can’t get the damn song outta my head, lol.

80 acres. Should be interesting at least. Closest house to this property is about a half mile. Next one is about 3 miles... maybe I want to grow up to be a hermit....

Oh, it’s also about 2 miles from the Tennessee River and there’s a large state wildlife refuge bordering the north side.

80 acres is awesome! Enough land to have privacy even in a populated area.

 

[WGregMiller]

80 acres is awesome! Enough land to have privacy even in a populated area.

Lot of it is hilly, roughly 200 foot rise from low to high spots (at least that’s what the USGS topo maps say. Plenty of space to hide if you need it,

I’m trying to not get too excited, but it’s becoming tough to do.

 

[MaterielGeneral]

Been really busy the last month+ Been working on my commo section with gaining knowledge and adding that to the electronic library. Gaining CB radios and other components. This is in addition to my FRS/GMRS radios. A while back I got these file folders with six pages/tabs at a discount to use for medical files. I didn't have enough and on eBay they are like $15.00 so I waited. I was at the local discount store and they had these files but legal size for .10 a file. I bought 10 of them and then cut them down to regular paper size. Big time $ savings. Got an Army intermediate sleeping bag for $3.00 Got a crap load of medical books and like 5 years worth of Backwoods home Magazine for a few dollars at the auction. There was actually a lot more good deals but memory is screwing me right now.

I am in the process of building a power box more for commo in the field but really it is an all purpose power box. Using a small deep cycle batter and 12v outlet, USB outlet, a 12v outlet, USB and power meter set. I got a used Peak 800 watts inverter, a solar power controller for recharging the battery. Almost everything came or is coming from China. Ordering direct is a lot cheaper that state side for the exact same thing. If its China made to begin with I hold no loyalty. If I can find US made if it is some what close then I try to order US.

Try pricing what I am building. It is seriously stupid priced.

 

[WGregMiller]

Welp.... we looked at the 80 acres today. We haven’t called the guy selling it yet, but I did a little online snooping and found out that he lives 30 miles from it. In my therapy words, we did a little trespassing.

I’m gonna have to call about it, but it has possibilities. Some of it is gently sloped, some pretty damn straight up. Would make a hell of a BOL. Saw a bunch of deer and wild turkeys there. They didn’t seem very concerned about us.
And I still can’t get the song Waterloo out of my friggin head.......

 

[Brent S]

I had a pretty good day, worked some, prepped some, and am taking it easy now. I got out the 5.56 and the 22AR and zeroed the scopes on them. I never really thought the 5.56 had a lot of kick until I shot it after the 22. Whole lot more umph. Anyways, I broke them down and cleaned them and put them away just moments ago. Still smell like gun oil, but kind of like it. I also got an emergency bag ready for a couple day work trip.

 

[Dani]

I have been working crazy hours, finished up my quilt and yesterday did a coordinating throw pillow. After work today I cleaned house so tomorrow I will be able to play. . . in the garden. I really haven't been doing much out there since the beginning of Aug. Life happens. I spent a lot of time up north on my off time with my friend, then funeral, then our great flood. We did not get flooded but lots of our friends did. Sat we'll be helping to take up ceramic floor in a house that was 6 ' under. Think that is the last one at least that I know of. It is still hot here with high humidity levels but by Fri we should start to see a cool off. Low 80's so I am happy. I still have not gotten my garden planted for fall! Hoping to at least get it started tomorrow. Rows have been tilled but will do some more before sticking my seeds in the ground. My poor tractors battery is dead. . . two days ago it started. Yesterday was a dud even after trying to jump her off. I did start some Amish Friendship bread 7 days ago. I have 3 more days on the starter before I can actually use it. Sure have missed some really good cinnamon rolls made with it. Once you start it, you use part and keep part for the next batch of whatever you make. Just feed it every 5 days and your good. My problem sometime when life is overwhelming, I forget and it starves.

 

[Mountain trapper]

Went down south yesterday to pick up feed for the pigs and chickens. Stopped at Tractor Supply and Home Depot too. Got a new flashlight, floor tiles and a Made in USA cordless drill and a bunch of other misc hardware and parts. The drill was about $60 more than the Made in China ones but worth it to me. I have 2 other cordless drills around here but I don't remember where I put them. Also got a solar powered LED motion sensor light for the chicken coop. I'll test it out tonight after it gets dark. I'd like to get about 6 more motion sensor lights to put on the other buildings. Built 4 more nest boxes for the coop today. I think 8 will be enough. Got most of the cedar siding up on the cabin today too. I'll post a picture when it's done. Last week I ordered an LPG tankless water heater, a 120v on demand water pump and a pressure accumulator for the cabin. They should be delivered here tomorrow. I took a couple days off from spitting fire wood because I haven't been feeling well. I think sleeping on the ground in this cold weather is taking a toll on me. Should have heat in the cabin next week.

 

[Psalm7]

I had a pretty good day, worked some, prepped some, and am taking it easy now. I got out the 5.56 and the 22AR and zeroed the scopes on them. I never really thought the 5.56 had a lot of kick until I shot it after the 22. Whole lot more umph. Anyways, I broke them down and cleaned them and put them away just moments ago. Still smell like gun oil, but kind of like it. I also got an emergency bag ready for a couple day work trip.

Alot of that 5.56 kick comes from the bolt carrier group and return spring cycling back and forth rather than the round firing.

 

[Dani]

Trying to relax on the back porch but I have my goat Dotty back here too. She has been having some diarrhea and I just had a bout of pneumonia run thru my heard after the flood with hot temps during the day and then dropping thru the night. Last week I lost one of my favorite babe s DJ, born the day Trump was elected. The rest of the heard seems healthy and trying to keep them that way! I came out with a peanut butter cookie sandwich that I made a few days ago. I gave her a bite and now she is practically on my lap!! I knew better. . . she is one of my older Nannys. Goats have such a personality and the way to Dotys heart is her tummy.

 

[MaterielGeneral]

I had a pretty good day, worked some, prepped some, and am taking it easy now. I got out the 5.56 and the 22AR and zeroed the scopes on them. I never really thought the 5.56 had a lot of kick until I shot it after the 22. Whole lot more umph. Anyways, I broke them down and cleaned them and put them away just moments ago. Still smell like gun oil, but kind of like it. I also got an emergency bag ready for a couple day work trip.

Sounds like fun. I have been F'ing with firewood the last few days.

 

[Brent S]

Sounds like fun. I have been F'ing with firewood the last few days.

I'm caught up with firewood for this winter at least. We still have trees down all over the place along the roads. If I was smart I'd be out there cutting some up for next year. Or at least if I had more energy.

 

[Dani]

I'm caught up with firewood for this winter at least. We still have trees down all over the place along the roads. If I was smart I'd be out there cutting some up for next year. Or at least if I had more energy.

We still have wood that we collected last year that needs split, but at least we have it when needed. Think 5 little logs to burn at the convenient store is $4.99. Crazy people will spend that when you can get it for free. We do have enough split to make it thru the coming winter so not high on the list of things to do right now.

 

[Brent S]

We still have wood that we collected last year that needs split, but at least we have it when needed. Think 5 little logs to burn at the convenient store is $4.99. Crazy people will spend that when you can get it for free. We do have enough split to make it thru the coming winter so not high on the list of things to do right now.

I got a manual hydronic log splitter right next to the log splitter. Now I do the splitting just as it's ready to be used. It helps warm you up twice!

 

[MaterielGeneral]

I got a manual hydronic log splitter right next to the log splitter. Now I do the splitting just as it's ready to be used. It helps warm you up twice!

We don't have a wood splitter. My wife won't let us buy one because of the cost right now until some bills are paid off.

I told her fine she can ask her step father for his splitter or we can rent one and until then the wood will sit there. I am not using a mallet.

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[Mountain trapper]

We don't have a wood splitter. My wife won't let us buy one because of the cost right now until some bills are paid off.

I told her fine she can ask her step father for his splitter or we can rent one and until then the wood will sit there. I am not using a mallet.

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A hydraulic log splitter is on my list for next year. Until then I'm doing the splitting by hand with a maul. On some of the large Doug Fir rounds (3' + dia) I have to use a couple of wedges as well as the maul. I figured I'll need about 7 cords to get through the winter. If we run short I left a couple standing dead trees near the cabin just in case. Got about half split and stacked now. Growing up we cut our firewood with a cross cut saw. Things are sure easier now.

 

[MaterielGeneral]

Thanks to the Army I have a bad back and some other issues going on. I'm getting more pissed at my wife every day because there is a lot of stuff that needs done and she won't let me make our boys help with stuff. It's ******** and I have been expressing my unhappiness loud enough that they can hear.
So I have been telling her to piss off on a lot of stuff lately and just go do my own thing.

If the boys want to be lazy in life and not help then fine. When they turn 18 and graduate there hitting the road. I've already told my wife once our youngest graduates my obligation is done and she is hitting the road. I have put up with her crap to long. Man does that piss her off. She likes knows she is loosing her control over me. Now she says she will fight for alimony. Before pay alimony I will punch the judge in the face. You cannot collect disability payments if you are incarcerated. She hates that comment also.

Yeah I know to much information. It feels good to vent.

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[DrHenley]

Yes, but there is something oh so satisfying about taking a maul and a few wedges and reducing a huge log to firewood entirely by hand. Especially at my age, where most of the those kings of things are a bit too much for me now. Even using a chainsaw is taxing now, mainly on my back from bending over so much.

But I can still swing a maul with the best of them, and that makes me feel like I'm not a total Old Fart.

 

[MaterielGeneral]

Your right Doc, actually I probably should go split some wood to get rid of some of this agression that I am feeling.

 

[Mountain trapper]

Yes, but there is something oh so satisfying about taking a maul and a few wedges and reducing a huge log to firewood entirely by hand. Especially at my age, where most of the those kings of things are a bit too much for me now. Even using a chainsaw is taxing now, mainly on my back from bending over so much.

But I can still swing a maul with the best of them, and that makes me feel like I'm not a total Old Fart.

How's that old saying go, firewood will warm you twice. Once when you cut it and again when you burn it. I enjoy turning a large pile of logs in to neatly stacked rows. I suffer from back pain too as a result of getting kicked in the back by a 2,000 pound draft horse and getting dragged for over a mile by a draft mule. When the old back gets too painful I switch tasks and work on something else.

 

[DrPrepper1]

I bought a pair of New Balance tennis shoes on sale / clearance for $36.00 They were normally $129.00. I bought two pair that look just exactly alike. I am wearing one pair, but when these wear out, I have a new pair waiting on me for a great price.

 

[Proud Prepper]

I keep my old shoes, unless they are totaly worn out. I have about 14 pair in a plastic bin and even though they are worn and dont look nice for everyday use, I use them for realy muddy outdoor work and will be great for long term survival when the stores are gone.

 

[Mountain trapper]

I bought a pair of New Balance tennis shoes on sale / clearance for $36.00 They were normally $129.00. I bought two pair that look just exactly alike. I am wearing one pair, but when these wear out, I have a new pair waiting on me for a great price.

Having multiple pairs of good foot ware is often overlooked by many people. A person should have several pairs of shoes for a variety of tasks; summer, winter, work, hiking, etc.

 

[Dani]

I worked in the garden today. . . its in sad shape after a month and a half of pure neglect, but I'll get it back in shape slowly but surely. Only things I'm keeping are the onions, jalapeños, and sweet potatoes. I did some major weeding, raising, and tilling. I am really considering not planting since it has gotten so late in the season, but when the garden is not a total embarrassment I may change my mind. Was able to get my tractor started though which was a big help with the hauling!

 

[Dani]

Having multiple pairs of good foot ware is often overlooked by many people. A person should have several pairs of shoes for a variety of tasks; summer, winter, work, hiking, etc.

I have a total of three everyday shoes besides my muck boots right now to choose from. . .that is the most I have ever had in a long time. All bought when Gander was going out of business and less than $20 a pair I'm a cheapskate.

 

[WGregMiller]

I have a total of three everyday shoes besides my muck boots right now to choose from. . .that is the most I have ever had in a long time. All bought when Gander was going out of business and less than $20 a pair I'm a cheapskate.

We did the same - both of us got muck boots (spares) and both of us got hiking boots... for half off.

I actually bought a new 5.11 tactical bag for a GHB. Seems like it was 70% off.

 

[Dani]

We did the same - both of us got muck boots (spares) and both of us got hiking boots... for half off.

I actually bought a new 5.11 tactical bag for a GHB. Seems like it was 70% off.

Its hard to pass up on some sales. Hunny got his hiking boots for $5 something. We didn't know that until we checked out cause they were marked $20 something. Nice when you get a surprise like that!

 

[WGregMiller]

Yep, it is. I bought all kinds of stuff halfway through, but by the end the only shoes they had for men were tiny, and I’ve got big feet, lol.

I also loaded up on hunting clothes. They had tons steeply discounted. I’m a tightwad too, lol.

 

[Dani]

Yep, it is. I bought all kinds of stuff halfway through, but by the end the only shoes they had for men were tiny, and I’ve got big feet, lol.

I also loaded up on hunting clothes. They had tons steeply discounted. I’m a tightwad too, lol.

I totally u understand! I'm a size 9 and have to have a wide width. Just call me quack quack! Growing g up I was told a firm foundation,but they lied. Just have big fat feet.

 

[TexasFreedom]

MG,

Might I advice a little marital counseling with your pastor? Venting is fine, we all do it. But if 1/4th of what you wrote is true, it's not a healthy marriage. I'm not saying she or you is right, but you are both way out of line in communicating.

I know, not all marriages are the same, but if I said 1/2 of that to my wife then I'd have serious lead poisoning (and she's a better shot).