This weeks preps check-in

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Looking at getting a solar powered deep well pump for my place. Found an outfit in Oklahoma that sells a system that will pump 5.5 gpm and comes with 4 - 250 watt solar panels. The well is 650 feet deep and the house site is 1,000 feet away, so I'm limited on finding pumps that will deliver more than 5.5 gpm. Maybe in a couple of years I'll drill another well closer to the house and use this well just for watering livestock.
 
Would be interested to see what you find. I'm hoping to convert mine to solar within 4 years myself. I don't think it's too deep (have to check into that), but it is right by the house at least. Would sure beat using an emergency bullet bucket.

My other option is a propane generator, but solar would be nice. (hell, maybe even both eventually)

I am really good at scavenging scrap and cheap materials and working them into something I like. It would be nice to just have a lot of money to buy whatever you want, but it wouldn't be as satisfying to me. I like giving old and discarded stuff new life.

Dude, you are the KING of that, that is for sure....
 
Would be interested to see what you find. I'm hoping to convert mine to solar within 4 years myself. I don't think it's too deep (have to check into that), but it is right by the house at least. Would sure beat using an emergency bullet bucket.

My other option is a propane generator, but solar would be nice. (hell, maybe even both eventually)



Dude, you are the KING of that, that is for sure....

The system that I'm looking at will run around $6k for the pump, solar panels and all wires and connections.

www.solarpumps.com/

Depending on how deep your well is and the distance you need to pump, your system could be cheaper. I'm going to add a battery bank and inverter so the pump will still function after dark and on cloudy days.

I considered going with a propane generator for backup, but have decided on going with diesel. Everything considered a diesel is a better choice for my whole house application. Some smaller air cooled generators don't come with idle control and the power isn't clean enough to run some electronics. I'm going with a 12 kw liquid cooled Perkins diesel from Hardydiesel.com. Like everything else, I'm trying to buy stuff that won't break down or wear out after only a few years.
 
I considered going with a propane generator for backup, but have decided on going with diesel. Everything considered a diesel is a better choice for my whole house application

What's the solution for preventing the stored diesel from going bad? Stabil? Or is the plan to just constantly use diesel? Even then, post SHTF, you'll have a limited usage life of it. That's why I prefer propane. Doesn't go bad.

Originally, I was looking at diesel too, mostly because I also have a diesel truck, which has a huge auxiliary tank, and I plan on having a storage tank as well...but the shelf-life issue was the kicker.
 
What's the solution for preventing the stored diesel from going bad? Stabil? Or is the plan to just constantly use diesel? Even then, post SHTF, you'll have a limited usage life of it. That's why I prefer propane. Doesn't go bad.

Originally, I was looking at diesel too, mostly because I also have a diesel truck, which has a huge auxiliary tank, and I plan on having a storage tank as well...but the shelf-life issue was the kicker.
Diesel storage life isn't what it used to be, especially if you have to use government mandated ULSD. Optimal storage life for diesel now days is about 12 months. I'll be using off-road diesel, which could last a little longer, and until SHTF, I'll be using enough to keep if fresh. For long term storage of diesel you'll want to add fuel stabilizers, anti-oxidants, water controllers and fungicides/biocides to your tank. This could prolong the life of your diesel by up to 10 years. After I get the solar and wind system up and running I shouldn't need to run the generator that much and my fuel usage would go way down, except for in the tractor and sawmill. In a post SHTF situation and the diesel runs out we shouldn't notice much difference.
 
Great job! Wanna come out and do my place?
Heck, I wish I had time to finish all my projects! I was a contractor for almost 20 yrs. and built/fixed all kinds of things for others. It's nice working on my own stuff nowadays.
 
I had a great weekend! I turned 52, yuk, but spent the day with the kids, which brought ribeyes, yeah! We worked some, talked some, ate alot, and drank more beers than I should have. I built the first fire in the fireplace this season today as well. My main goal was to work on the porch interior this weekend. I got the walls insulated, and most of the interior wall siding up. It feels good to see progress. I wanted to get the flue cut through the roof, but the weatherman lied and it never quit raining! Oh well, it's got to stop someday :). I used conduit for the exposed wiring for two ceiling fans, which wasn't exactly what I had in mind for a rustic country look, but it was the best I could think of at the moment. I'll prime and paint it later. As I said, am just glad to see progress, even with a rainy weekend.View attachment 4799View attachment 4800 View attachment 4801
Yeah, I got the flu installed today! It's still got a little trim to install, but is weathertight and ready for a fire. I want to light one tonight in the stove, but it's not that cold here tonight. Patience. :).
 
This will be the first year we try out the fireplace. If we actually get a day that gets cold enough. Either way, we're doing it for Christmas, cold or not. I'll have to post a pic of it, after we get all festive. One holiday at a time, hehe...
 
This will be the first year we try out the fireplace. If we actually get a day that gets cold enough. Either way, we're doing it for Christmas, cold or not. I'll have to post a pic of it, after we get all festive. One holiday at a time, hehe...
I think I lit my wood burning stove down there twice! A real fireplace should be a little less intense.
 
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Yeah, the stove is ready for the first fire. It's only supposed to be in the low 40's tonight, but I'll set it up tonight and light it first thing in the morning. One of the reasons I love finishing a project is it frees me up to start two more :confused:.
 
Well, I lit the stove for the first time tonight. The good part, the house didn't catch fire, and it puts out a LOT of heat with just a tiny bit of wood. The bad part is I smoked the heck out of the house! I had to open some windows and run a fan to get it breathable again, not to mention setting off smoke alarms. Some of it was an oil residue burning off the new flue parts, and some was just leaving the damper closed when I lit it. Oops :). Anyways, it's reheating the house back up now. I probably got the equivalent of a couple packs of cigarettes in my lungs, but am no worse for wear. The pit sure didn't enjoy the smoke alarm much.
 
One new thing I'm doing is trying to learn to eat different foods, in case things get tough later on. Anyone ever had a cup of toad? Jk. My wife rescues all types of little critters. This little guy is blind, eyes shrunken, and would have died if not for intervention. Hamburger on a toothpick, and a warm safe old aquarium and this little guy is doing well.
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Wow. I am amazed at how much more efficient the cast iron stove is. I've used them, and this one before, but it's been a while. The fireplace is crap for heating, mayby its romantic and appealing, but it took a pile of wood to heat just the living room. This small stove puts out 10 times the heat. Hopefully my electric bill will go down this winter. Even more, I won't burn up all my firewood as fast. Espechially since I still split by hand! One more plus, this has a flat top for cooking. Since its out of the main house, I could cook even in the summer on it with all the windows open. I guess it's time to clean up the regular fireplace and just stage it for looks.
 
Looking at getting a solar powered deep well pump for my place. Found an outfit in Oklahoma that sells a system that will pump 5.5 gpm and comes with 4 - 250 watt solar panels. The well is 650 feet deep and the house site is 1,000 feet away, so I'm limited on finding pumps that will deliver more than 5.5 gpm. Maybe in a couple of years I'll drill another well closer to the house and use this well just for watering livestock.
The volume isn't too important if you offset it with a large tank. I'd really like to get a well here. With two creeks I have water, but a deep well is safer to drink, even with good filters. Here we have granite under ground. It's slow drilling and has to be deep, so it's not in the budget anytime soon.
 
Would be interested to see what you find. I'm hoping to convert mine to solar within 4 years myself. I don't think it's too deep (have to check into that), but it is right by the house at least. Would sure beat using an emergency bullet bucket.

My other option is a propane generator, but solar would be nice. (hell, maybe even both eventually)



Dude, you are the KING of that, that is for sure....
My water table in central fla was 78 ft. I was on a sand bar/ridge, so was deeper than average there. You. Won't have to pump very high there. I new a guy from homestead that worked on the large farms there. He said they would take a large auger bit and drill three feet down. It would fill up fast enough to drop in a large portable sprinkler and wouldn't run dry.
 
as of today I'll keep two fully loaded mags to my 10/22 and my 12ga is loaded with buck-slug-buck-slug combo.
yup,from me,I have a center with these illegals 2 klicks away,comforting isn't it?
I think you're wise to have protection at the ready all the time anyways. I really don't think you're going to have an all out war, and feel you're probably pretty safe in your home. It's public places that can and will be targets of terrorists. I also don't think they will be an everyday occurrence either, but will be a reality in the coming years. With all the new refugees in your area, which are unemployed, you're probably much more at risk from common crimes.
 
for that (burglaries) I have a security lock on my door and around 100 pounds of teeth too,lovely guy to strangers with me,when I'm there too unless he senses I'm anxious or threatened,then his behaviour changes and out comes that lovely "smile" which says; I'll rip you to shreads if you come here :)
for some other types of crimes I carry my EDC stuff,you know knife,mace,that kind of stuff.
 
for that (burglaries) I have a security lock on my door and around 100 pounds of teeth too,lovely guy to strangers with me,when I'm there too unless he senses I'm anxious or threatened,then his behaviour changes and out comes that lovely "smile" which says; I'll rip you to shreads if you come here :)
for some other types of crimes I carry my EDC stuff,you know knife,mace,that kind of stuff.
I really like the teeth! I just wish mine were a little tougher! The good things about the dogs are when your away they are still on the job.
 
Deal on the house fell through. It just wasn't meant to be.
Took my cpl class last weekend and am waiting for the license in the mail now. Bow season is over and I got about 30 pounds of venison left. I hope to get out in firearm season but it looks like I'm gonna be way too busy.
Waiting for black Friday to buy an AR15.
 
Y'all have been very productive!! I just got back from my first ever camping trip and I have to say.....if TSHTF I'd be screwed! lol. Since it was my first time, I wasn't trying to rough it, so the back of my SUV was full & it was only for 1 night. We did buy a tent, which I'm sure is too big in a bug-out situation, but I liked camping and we plan on going again. We also camped at a campground with power and water, but baby steps, right? I realized how disorganized I am just for a night's camping, and also learned a few things as well. Building a fire in a fire pit if totally different than building one in our chiminea. Even though the temp got down to 33 degrees I still enjoyed myself, and it was a learning experience.
 
Deal on the house fell through. It just wasn't meant to be.
Took my cpl class last weekend and am waiting for the license in the mail now. Bow season is over and I got about 30 pounds of venison left. I hope to get out in firearm season but it looks like I'm gonna be way too busy.
Waiting for black Friday to buy an AR15.
Sorry about the house, but just keep plugging at whatever you want, and it will happen sooner or later.
I got the S&W mp AR, and I don't think you can find anything better for the money. It was right at 600. Out the door with tax. The same thing sold for 1200 just a couple years ago.
 
Y'all have been very productive!! I just got back from my first ever camping trip and I have to say.....if TSHTF I'd be screwed! lol. Since it was my first time, I wasn't trying to rough it, so the back of my SUV was full & it was only for 1 night. We did buy a tent, which I'm sure is too big in a bug-out situation, but I liked camping and we plan on going again. We also camped at a campground with power and water, but baby steps, right? I realized how disorganized I am just for a night's camping, and also learned a few things as well. Building a fire in a fire pit if totally different than building one in our chiminea. Even though the temp got down to 33 degrees I still enjoyed myself, and it was a learning experience.
Each time you go it will get easier and better. Experience is so much better than just reading how to do something.
One thing I really like when camping is a blow up mattress and regular sheets, comforter and my pillow. When you sleep comfortably it's a much nicer experience. I may not 'need' these things, but it is much more family friendly.
 
Well it has been awhile. . . this week I processed a deer. Cut up the roast to can and ground the rest. Added a granddaughter to the group and unfortunately had to pluck a goose this morning. Found that a goose had died over night. Since the geese we have were given to us, not sure how old so thought maybe old age since it was not mangled and no blood was seen. I started plucking the neck area when I saw the puncture wounds. We caught a bobcat in the chicken coop about 3 weeks ago, after it had killed 5 that week. They tend to kill, but do not eat so wonder if he is back or if we have another predator lurking around. Anyway, wasn't sure how long he was dead and while plucking on occasion I smelt him so I knew I wasn't going to keep the meat. We caught the bobcat during the process of him killing our last chicken so I kept that meat. At least I was able to add the down to the feathers I have already collected. Yep, I am one proud Nana!!Taylor 189.JPG
 
Y'all have been very productive!! I just got back from my first ever camping trip and I have to say.....if TSHTF I'd be screwed! lol. Since it was my first time, I wasn't trying to rough it, so the back of my SUV was full & it was only for 1 night. We did buy a tent, which I'm sure is too big in a bug-out situation, but I liked camping and we plan on going again. We also camped at a campground with power and water, but baby steps, right? I realized how disorganized I am just for a night's camping, and also learned a few things as well. Building a fire in a fire pit if totally different than building one in our chiminea. Even though the temp got down to 33 degrees I still enjoyed myself, and it was a learning experience.
Keep on going! It is a learning experience for sure. First time I went was with a son and I and it was a total disaster. . . it's only uphill from here
 
i may of finally found out about a store that sells the burners i need for the oil lamps i have.that needs new ones.so i'll be going there here in a lil bit,to find out.
 
We closed on the house today, sold much of our furniture and other household items and the movers came in this morning to start packing. Tomorrow the moving truck shows up to start loading. Got the Grand Cherokee loaded down and we're ready to hit the road as soon as they finish loading the moving truck. I realize that its not the best time of year to move, but I'll feel much better just getting to our BOL. I feel fortunate that we did OK on the sale of the house, considering the flat housing market and the economy, which I think will be heading south soon.
 
Well it has been awhile. . . this week I processed a deer. Cut up the roast to can and ground the rest. Added a granddaughter to the group and unfortunately had to pluck a goose this morning. Found that a goose had died over night. Since the geese we have were given to us, not sure how old so thought maybe old age since it was not mangled and no blood was seen. I started plucking the neck area when I saw the puncture wounds. We caught a bobcat in the chicken coop about 3 weeks ago, after it had killed 5 that week. They tend to kill, but do not eat so wonder if he is back or if we have another predator lurking around. Anyway, wasn't sure how long he was dead and while plucking on occasion I smelt him so I knew I wasn't going to keep the meat. We caught the bobcat during the process of him killing our last chicken so I kept that meat. At least I was able to add the down to the feathers I have already collected. Yep, I am one proud Nana!!View attachment 4827
Congratulations on your new granddaughter! I just became a new grandfather myself a few months ago and I'm looking forward to spending as much time with her as possible.
 
Well it has been awhile. . . this week I processed a deer. Cut up the roast to can and ground the rest. Added a granddaughter to the group and unfortunately had to pluck a goose this morning. Found that a goose had died over night. Since the geese we have were given to us, not sure how old so thought maybe old age since it was not mangled and no blood was seen. I started plucking the neck area when I saw the puncture wounds. We caught a bobcat in the chicken coop about 3 weeks ago, after it had killed 5 that week. They tend to kill, but do not eat so wonder if he is back or if we have another predator lurking around. Anyway, wasn't sure how long he was dead and while plucking on occasion I smelt him so I knew I wasn't going to keep the meat. We caught the bobcat during the process of him killing our last chicken so I kept that meat. At least I was able to add the down to the feathers I have already collected. Yep, I am one proud Nana!!View attachment 4827
Congrats on the granddaughter! I hope she lives close enough to spoil often :). It's good to hear from you again.
 

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