Retro Vintage Camping

The trip to the ocean got me thinking (dangerous my husband says). The sustainable prepared life includes time for fun things like: outside activites such as gardening (veggie and orchard), garden parties, telescope parties and camping. Now we are at the point in life that a trailer is the only way. We own a 27' 1978 Airstream Argosy. We have had the fun of personalizing it. We put new flooring, curtains and beds in it. We even have a modern minature "Franklin" electric fireplace in the living room. What is great is we have recycled something that will bring joy to our children and grandchild plus we love it! Airstream trailers were built to last. The added perk is we could live in it in an emergency as well! I plan in the future to share more on these "ideas".

Getting away is good for the ideas! Judy

Antique and Ancient Apples Are Coming Into Vogue!

Since we have enjoyed our "Container Orchard" I thought I would share something interesting that is happening in the commercial apple business.  Antique and ancient apple varieties are coming into their own.  Here is a great article on the subject. 

http://www.foxnews.com/leisure/2011/09/07/antique-apples-getting-new-life/

Enjoy!  Judy

Updated Blogs I Follow

I follow many blogs.  I love reading and learning.  For various reasons I am selective about which ones I share.  In my researching on the Internet I have found it helpful when blogs list what blogs they follow.  It expands my research.  Therefore, I have added to by Blog List recently. 

Enjoy!  Judy

Solar Flare Season in Full Bloom - Are you ready?

I am sure this is "old" news to you. Still I thought it would be important to share some thoughts. I am sure I have missed some things but it is a start to get you thinking.

Having a good plan if the Solar Flares Disrupt the Grid is critical!

First on the Sustainability of the garden -

1. Do you have a rain barrel?

2. Is it filled? I am filling mine today!

3. Could your plants, trees, shrubs and flowers make it a couple of days without water? I am only thinking of the lights out for a couple of days. Not the weeks and months that they say can happen.

4. It might be good to keep close watch on watering of the garden for the summer. Like keeping your gas gage above 1/2 full. Keep the garden well water this year. They expect more flares because this is Solar Flare Season!



Second on your home and vehicles -

1. Do you have enough water for several days? It is good to have a couple of 5 gal camping containers freshly filled. You can find them at Cabalas and Wal-Mart. Buy them now because they will go out of stock when everyone else thinks about it!

2. Water bottles are helpful. As much as I hate to flood the landfills with water bottles, they are the easiest to carry in the car. They last a long time. You need at least 14 gas per person to last 2 weeks. It would be good to have 4 cases of water per person on hand. Rotate them through the vehicles to keep them fresh.

3. Do you have enough food to last several days to 2 weeks to 3 months....?

4. Do you have the 72 hours kit in your vehicles?

5. Do you keep your gas gage over the ½ empty mark?

6. Do you have a way of cooking?

7. Do you have enough over the counter medications to carry you?

8. Do you have a good supply of your prescription medications?

Communications -

1. Do you have a communication plan for the family and extended family? This one I know I have to work on this week!

2. Do you know how to text? Texting is considered the best method for contact if there is a disaster. All the more reason for me to evaluate the smart phone idea.

3. Do you have a radio for emergencies?

Cash –
1. Do you have enough cash on hand for a short-term emergency? We all know the ATMs will be emptied.

2. Do you have enough cash on hand in small denominations for a long-term emergency?

News articles on the Solar Flare Season – This is a serious issue!

New York Times
http://www.nytimes.com/cwire/2011/06/09/09climatewire-this-weeks-solar-flare-illuminates-the-grids-63979.html

PC World and your techie things
http://www.pcworld.com/article/229876/solar_flares_could_cripple_earths_tech_infrastructure_in_2013.html

PC Magazine Are You Ready?
http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2386623,00.asp

National Geographic is concerned
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2011/06/110608-solar-flare-sun-science-space/

Good Resources – Disclaimer I am not Mormon but they are experts on this subject.

1. A great resource for the simple 4-step preparation for the short-term and long-term emergency that Mormons use. I found this web site simple and practical. Disclaimer I am not Mormon but they are experts on this subject.  http://preparedldsfamily.blogspot.com/
2. FEMA – Suggests Preparation for 72 hours and 2 weeks.  http://www.fema.gov/plan/index.shtm

Are you Preparing?  How?

http://www.nasa.gov/multimedia/videogallery/index.html?media_id=93779141

Sustainable Garden Solar Flare Plan is Critical!

Having a good plan for your Sustainable Garden if the Solar Flares Disrupts the Grid is critical!

Questions for the Solar Flare Plan for your Sustainable garden -

1. Do you have a rain barrel?

2. Is it filled? I am filling mine today!

3. Could your plants, trees, shrubs and flowers make it a couple of days without water? I am only thinking of the lights out for a couple of days. Not the weeks and months that they say can happen.

4. Do you keep your garden well water? It might be good to keep close watch on watering of the garden for the summer. Like keeping your gas gage above 1/2 full. Keep the garden well water this year.

REMEMBER - They expect more flares because this is Solar Flare Season!

See my posting that covers Solar Flare in Full Bloom.

Are you preparing?  Judy

Bees and Honey

Yesterday I talked about honey in the high places.  Now I want to talk about it for the rest of us.  As a kid my dad had a bee hive.  I learned to love honey comb.  At the local farmer's market they have it but...  They had just a tiny piece in the jar.  I almost laughed.  We filled the jars with the comb.  I do miss them.

Our blueberries have had humming birds and bumble bees but no honey bees yet.  My cousin in Illinois posted on his Facebook establishing a hive for his fruit trees.  I keep longing for a bee hive.  I know at this point it is slim that it will happen.  My hubby is not interested and it is not something I am ready to take on.  Maybe a honey bee swarm will fly by. smile

Here is a couple of good links on honey bees.

http://www.beesource.com/build-it-yourself/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beehive
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sSk_ev1eZec  Honey bee's life cycle
  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JVaYD3e9KOA&feature=related Bee Hive Construction

Enjoy!  Judy

Hybrid Vehicle Using Wood

This was so novel I just had to share it.  As the price of oil rises and the prices of gas follows individuals will be looking at alternatives again.  This using "scrap" lumber to fuel the truck. 
http://www.cnn.com/video/data/2.0/video/us/2011/06/02/dnt.wood.powered.truck.cnn.html

Here is some other link on the same subject:

http://www.motherearthnews.com/Green-Transportation/Use-Wood-Gas-Generator-To-Power-Your-Truck.aspx

Thought this was a fun alternative for those that have access to "free" fuel.  Judy

To Be Sustainable and Survive - "Follow the Money"

I realize that in the past "Following the Money" did not usually lead to Sustainabiity. I believe things are changing. When reviewing the US Government's Budget you will find Sustainability has risen to the top like cream in milk.

Today I discovered an article written in 2008 about the economic power shifts in business for 2009. My 2nd Master is in Finance, so this article jumped at me. If I was going to boil it down to something a small business or home could use, I would say "Money Talks", therefore "Follow the Money". Decisions need to be made based on survivability of the small business or home. This survivability can lead to Sustainability.

My suggestion to surviving is "Follow the Money":

1. Look seriously at the new US Government Budget.
2. See where the money will be spent.
3. Consider how you can tap that money.
4. Adjust your business and home revenue stream around those large Rivers of Money.
   

Oh here is the article from the "Economist" - http://www.economist.com/theworldin/displaystory.cfm?story_id=12494665

Enjoy! Judy

A Sustainable Dishwasher Tip - Keep it Empty!

Oh my! I have a sink and counter full of dirty dishes. I usually have my dishwasher empty and ready for the dishes after a holiday or party dinner. That way when I am done with the party or holiday dinner I just push the button and the kitchen is basically done. It did not work that way this time. My dishwasher was full of dirty dishes when I started. Next time I will make an effort to plan that one better! Instead of waking up to a clean kitchen I woke up to the work.

In my Sustainability life I am trying to keep my work load to a minimum. The idea in life is to keep it simple and have time for the most important things. Sustainability is also being prepared even with little things. This is a small thing but it adds up to alot more work if not done right.

The kitchen "project" should help me remember for next time!


Judy

P.S. Because I am a "Woman of Sustainability", I recycled everything I could from the dinner!