New Mexico Urban Homesteader

Hello, I am A 50 Something, Prepper ;-}; former 60's Flower Child, don't believe in taxpayer subsidized special interest groups (political parties), DO believe in the Constitution and Bill of Rights (1st 10). Long time Independent & Informed Voter. Lover of the outdoors and firm believer that History Teaches - if only we will listen!

(No longer Urban or in NM. Now Rural in the mountains of Maine.)

This blog was started at the request of some dear friends that wish to become Preppers.

“No man who is not willing to help himself has any right to apply to his friends, or to the gods.”

Demosthenes (384–322 BC, Greek statesman and orator of ancient Athens)


Tuesday, August 31, 2010

Quotes for Thought - THINK

We live in tough times, yet we are not the first, nor are we likely to be the last. I cannot say that I agree or disagree with these quotes – No, only that these quotes should drive home the conviction that we Must Think For Ourselves or we are doomed to repeat the failures of the past…

The Seven Deadly Social Sins: Politics without Principle; Wealth without Work; Commerce without Morality; Pleasure without Conscience; Education without Character; Science Without Humanity; Worship without Sacrifice. ~ Gandhi

Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and a house divided against a house falleth. Jesus of Nazareth

Power concedes nothing without a demand. It never did, and it never will. Find out just what people will submit to, and you have found out the exact amount of injustice and wrong which will be imposed upon them; and these will continue till they have resisted with either words or blows, or with both. The limits of tyrants are prescribed by the endurance of those whom they suppress. ~ Frederick Douglas

Control oil and you control nations; control food and you control the people. Kissinger

Whenever you find yourself on the side of the majority, it’s time to pause and reflect on your position. ~ Mark Twain

Read more at: http://www.scribd.com/doc/36701036/Quotes-for-Thought

Monday, August 30, 2010

Week 9 - 24 Weeks of Crisis Supply Procurement

Week 9

Grocery Store

  • 1 can ready to eat soup
  • Liquid dish soap
  • Plain liquid bleach
  • Heavy duty large garbage bags
  • If needed: Saline solution and contact lens case

Hardware/Home Improvement/Sports, Misc Store

  • Boy Scout Field Book (check out the used book stores for this) or if you are the expierenced outdoors type – SAS Survival Manual (just search the web to download for free a digital copy, then print it out)
  • Water purification filter and or tablets
  • Cordage (rope) all purpose

To Do:

  • Send some of your favorite family photos (or copies) to a family member or friend out of state for safekeeping.
  • Read a book on food gardening, medical herbs or the like
  • Complete another form to your Documentation Book/Binder
  • Record the items you have purchased for crisis use in the Documentation Book/Binder.
  • Add any appropriate monies to your money jar.

** When quantities are listed that is per person in your household.

“This is the perfect time for us to look at our own preparedness… “ Bill McLaughlin

From a 50 Something, soon to be rural homesteading, Prepper ;-}

Saturday, August 21, 2010

Week 8 - 24 Weeks of Crisis Supply Procurement

Week 8

First Aid Supplies

  • Scissors
  • Tweezers
  • Antiseptic
  • Thermometer (Get one of those “strips” instead of a glass/mercury filled type or battery operated digital type)
  • Liquid hand soap and or waterless anti bacterial wash
  • Disposable hand wipes
  • Sewing Kit
  • If needed: Extra eyeglasses

To Do:

  • Place a pair of shoes and flashlight under each family member’s bed so they are handy in case of a crisis.
  • Complete another form to your Documentation Book/Binder
  • Record the items you have purchased for crisis use in the Documentation Book/Binder.
  • Add any appropriate monies to your money jar.
  • Have the family take a firearm safety course and go to the range.

** When quantities are listed that is per person in your household.

“Courage is resistance to fear, mastery of fear — not absence of fear.” Mark Twain

From a 50 Something, soon to be rural homesteading, Prepper ;-}

Tuesday, August 17, 2010

State Rankings for Preppers 2010

I have spent the last few days combining some information on State Rankings for things like: Debt, Fed Aide, Corrupt, Crime, Illegal Immigrant DL's, Gun Laws, Growing Season, Population, Financial & Education-Home Schooling and 19 Best Western States for Preppers. I now have this posted at: http://www.scribd.com/doc/36026485/State-Rankings-for-Preppers-2010 or follow the link in the "Downloads" section of the panel on the right. (Must download in Excel format to view all columns)

Hope this helps !

Knowledge is Power


From a 50 something soon to be homesteading Prepper ;-}

Monday, August 16, 2010

Miracle Inventions for Preppers

I have been preparing since the early 1970’s and I must say that some “modern inventions” have been more like “miracles” to someone like me. Now I have always been partial to Leatherman Tools, Swiss Army Knives, Space Blankets, Thinsolate and the new mini water filters but here are a few of my all time favorites.

Duct TapeCan be used for just about anything
Super GlueKeep in your portable First Aid kit. Can replace sutures for those cuts that are just a bit too much for butterfly bandages (this is not for deep lacerations or puncture wounds). It does STING, so bite the bullet !!!
VelcroAnother great multi-purpose item. Avoid the packages of dots or small strips and get a roll of this stuff that can be cut to size. Now you can even purchase those “Velcro ties” for controlling electrical cords or say rolled up tarps, tents and the like.
Seal-A-Meal These vacuum sealers are fantastic. After you dehydrate your items, seal them in this and then date, place in a reusable plastic container and put in your freezer. Seal your bottles of vitamins and OTC drugs in these for your preparedness stash. Really stretches the shelf life!!!!
Space BagsThese cannot be beat for storing your bulky preparedness items: sleeping bags, clothing, blankets, pillows and the like. Moisture and insect resistant to boot!!! I also use some of the smaller ones to store those photos and stuff that cannot be replaced.
Sham-Wow – These buggers work great as towels or wash cloths. They come in a rather large size but can be cut to suit your needs. Light weight, compact and easy to store. Great for golfing, camping, hiking, backpacking and Go-Bags.
VinegarSo many uses. It pays to start a Vinegar Book just to keep track of all the things this is good for!
Baking Soda Another of those household items that can be used for all sorts of first aid, cleaning, polishing (from teeth to metals) and baking needs. This is another of those items to keep a list or book on just what all it can be used for.

Got a favorite? Let us know!

Prep On!

From a 50 Something, soon to be rural homesteading, Prepper ;-}

Monday, August 9, 2010

Weeks 5 thru 7 - 24 Weeks of Crisis Procurement

Sorry for missing the last two installments. I have had family visiting. So, just to make things up to y'all here are the last two plus this coming weeks installment.

Have at it and Keep On Preppin!


From a 50 Something, soon to be rural homesteading, Prepper ;-}

Week 5

Grocery Store

  • 1 gal water
  • 1 can fruit
  • 1 can meat
  • 1 can vegetable
  • 2 rolls toilet paper
  • Toothbrush
  • Toothpaste (can be travel size)
  • If needed: Special food for special diets

To Do:

  • Have a home fire drill
  • Complete another form to your Documentation Book/Binder
  • Record the items you have purchased for crisis use in the Documentation Book/Binder.
  • Add any appropriate monies to your money jar.
  • Sign up for a First Aid and or CPR course.

** When quantities are listed that is per person in your household.

“Chance favors the prepared mind.” Louis Pasteur

Week 6

First Aid Supplies

  • Aspirin and or acetaminophen, ibruprophen, naproxum sodium
  • Compresses
  • Rolls of gauze or bandages
  • First aid tape
  • Adhesive bandages, assorted sizes
  • If needed: Hearing aid batteries

To Do:

  • Check with your child’s school or day care center and or any household members work to find out about their disaster plans.
  • Ask your vet about their disaster plan. Get a copy of your pet’s inoculations. Inquire about pet evacuation centers.
  • Complete the Pet Information page for your Documentation Book/Binder.
  • Record the items you have purchased for crisis use in the Documentation Book/Binder.
  • Add any appropriate monies to your money jar.

** When quantities are listed that is per person in your household.

“I am prepared for the worst but hope for the best” Benjamin Disraeli (British Prime Minister & novelist 1804-1881)

Week 7

Grocery Store

  • 1 gallon water
  • 1 can ready to eat soup (no water added)
  • 1 can fruit
  • 1 can vegetables
  • Infant Items (if needed): Extra plastic bottles, diapers, baby food or formula – Think ahead if you are going to be potty training and or your infant will be weaning to toddler food - do not purchase for more than two weeks worth of these items.

Hardware/Home Improvement/Sports, Misc Store

  • 1 box ammo for your rifle
  • Compass
  • Duct Tape
  • Super Glue

To Do:

  • Establish an out-of-state contact to call in case of emergency. Provide them with any needed copies of information from your Documentation Book/Binder.
  • If you have a long term crisis you are preparing for - Learn something new this week that is a needed skill in such a scenario.
  • Complete another form to your Documentation Book/Binder
  • Record the items you have purchased for crisis use in the Documentation Book/Binder.
  • Add any appropriate monies to your money jar.

** When quantities are listed that is per person in your household.

“Forewarned, forearmed; to be prepared is half the victory.” Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra