tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7003348645601520194.post1652030728095975082..comments2023-10-21T16:38:35.007-05:00Comments on Thoughts from Frank and Fern: I'm Going To ???Frank and Fernhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15570058990887565563noreply@blogger.comBlogger37125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7003348645601520194.post-80719556848293752482014-09-24T09:44:08.967-05:002014-09-24T09:44:08.967-05:00Congratulations on your move. Fern and I have been...Congratulations on your move. Fern and I have been preparing for many years, but we really started preparing about six years ago. Then we started writing this blog a little over a year ago. And sometimes, I believe we write this to remind ourselves what we need to continue doing. We have received many great comments like yours, that continue to motivate us, and I hope it does others. Thank you for sharing.<br /><br />Frank<br />Frank and Fernhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15570058990887565563noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7003348645601520194.post-82732615692020550132014-09-24T09:38:55.242-05:002014-09-24T09:38:55.242-05:00It is sad to think about it, and one day it is goi...It is sad to think about it, and one day it is going to occur. I wish I knew when that one day will come. I don't think there is a perfect location, and I'm not sure out in the middle of nowhere is the best place. I don't share the concept of like minded people. The reason being, if you tell someone what you're doing, it will eventually get to the wrong person, that is not of a like mind, but sees you as a resource. For years, Fern and I have tried to sound the alarm. Most people just think we are a little bit different. But I have to believe that there are those that make note, and observe us as a source of entitlement. There are some people I wish I had never told. You're right. It's sad.<br /><br />Frank<br />Frank and Fernhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15570058990887565563noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7003348645601520194.post-34018847979223149272014-09-24T09:32:46.691-05:002014-09-24T09:32:46.691-05:00Jim, I think we got lucky with our fencing man. He...Jim, I think we got lucky with our fencing man. He was slow, but he did a good job. It also depends on what time of year you stretch the fencing.<br /><br />We also have a Great Pyrenees, and we do not have predator problems. On occasion I will assist her, though. Also, on occasion she like to get in a tussle with a skunk. We tried a second Pyrenees, and used the same training techniques with the second dog that we used with the first. The second dog was way too hyper, she was more like a normal yard type dog. She just didn't work out. <br /><br />I certainly agree about the tools. When I was a younger man, Sears made excellent tools, now I don't even go into a Sears. You're right, invest in good, quality tools, consider them a tangible asset.<br /><br />Thanks for your comment.<br /><br />Frank<br />Frank and Fernhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15570058990887565563noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7003348645601520194.post-32474025763980960322014-09-23T16:38:24.084-05:002014-09-23T16:38:24.084-05:00Frank - thank you for telling it like it is! we st...Frank - thank you for telling it like it is! we started preparing/practicing back in the city many years ago and finally moved to our permanent bug-out location in 2010. it has been a learning curve for sure - we moved 1,000 miles from where we lived to a remote little island that is lightly populated, only one city (pop. 36,000) and we are in the middle of nowhere. it took a year or two to get the soil in our raised beds properly amended and we lost 4yrs of carefully saved heirloom, non-gmo seeds in a flood. oh well. we sucked it up, replaced our seeds and have been saving seeds again for the past couple of years. my husband hunts and fishes - we have incredible hunting and fishing here! we have back-ups to our back-ups and we just shake our heads at some of the blogs that we read where people are "just gonna" start foraging and tossing seeds here and there WHEN the collapse happens. not before. jeesh. <br /><br />this was a great post. and hopefully it can shake some cobwebs out of some people's minds. thanks.kymberhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02607117635648274823noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7003348645601520194.post-45644160909492933522014-09-23T11:24:30.905-05:002014-09-23T11:24:30.905-05:00My husband and I just had this conversation - even...My husband and I just had this conversation - even for those of us who want to believe we are preparing - there will be many lost because of just how unprepared we really are - great article - I have been gardening for years and without the proper weather and water you can starve watching it grow - the chickens cost more money today to maintain and by the time you have stored all your food to be prepared you hope that it is still eatable - we are in a rotation process now because we were more prepared 7 years ago than we are today - the perfect location is hard to find because everyone is looking for it - to be in the middle of no where when collapse happens would be ideal - but to be there when it happens you have to see it well before it comes because you will never make it there on the day of.... pretty sad to think about it and reality checkAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7003348645601520194.post-22266962284595962372014-09-23T00:34:35.498-05:002014-09-23T00:34:35.498-05:00It sounds like you had better luck with fencing co...It sounds like you had better luck with fencing contractors than I did. We're carving our homestead out of five hundred acres of sagebrush and cactus. After watching two contractors put in our first fences and writing outrageous checks, I am now doing it myself. It takes longer (per foot), but the results are better because the care you take with your own installations far outweighs the lack of experience. My "professional" fences are loose and bagging, but the amateur fences are still tight as a snare drum.<br /><br />Our cows don't bother the field fence, either. Horses, on the other hand, cause a lot of damage by simply reaching over to graze on the other side. I strung a hot wire across the top and that solved the problem.<br /><br />We're surrounded by predators: coyotes, bears, and mountain lions. We use Great Pyrenees and they are very effective. I highly recommend them to anyone. To an intruder (two- or four-legged), they are vicious attack dogs. To us, they are 100 pound lap dogs. They are especially great with children, very protective.<br /><br />One piece of advice I would pass on to homesteaders is: Don't go cheap on the tools. Buy the best you can afford, and sometimes that means hitting the estate sales because older tools are generally far better than the new stuff.Jimnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7003348645601520194.post-85385481573326868312014-09-22T19:30:22.936-05:002014-09-22T19:30:22.936-05:00Jim, thank you for the detailed comment. When we m...Jim, thank you for the detailed comment. When we moved here, I hired a bulldozer and operator and cleared all of the fence line, old fence included. Then I hired another crew to put up the field fencing. We had used it before in another location in Oklahoma, but it was the lighter grade. This time I went with the heaviest gauge I could find, American made. One of my neighbors told me that his cows would just push that fence down. Well, it's been six years and the cows never even touch it.<br /><br />Your last comment alluded to a disruption in services. I believe that to be a very possible and real threat. It's taken a hundred years to build the logistics and infrastructure of commerce that we take for granted daily. One little glitch will set the dominoes falling.<br /><br />Thank you for your in-depth observation. Take care.<br /><br />FrankFrank and Fernhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15570058990887565563noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7003348645601520194.post-38271354906313312582014-09-22T14:49:38.954-05:002014-09-22T14:49:38.954-05:00I'll chime in here on the fencing.
Field fenc...I'll chime in here on the fencing.<br /><br />Field fencing is the best for goats and small ungulates, but also works with larger stock like cattle and horses. We raise Boer goats commercially, all of our fencing is field fence. Strand fencing is far cheaper and easier to install, but simply will not work on goats and sheep nor their predators.<br /><br />We have made extensive use of electric fencing, particularly the netting. That stuff is expensive, but for field rotation within a fenced pasture it is a valuable tool. Strand electric won't work for anything smaller than a cow or horse. Sheep with wool won't feel anything and goats will find that one spot that is just big enough for them to get through.<br /><br />Goats are allegedly escape artists. Billy goats are difficult to manage and dangerous. Both are myths if you treat your animals well. We've had jail breaks, but the goats go as far as the nearest graze and always run home when "caught." Our 250# billies are pussy cats. They like to come up and rub their ears on us. No trouble at all.<br /><br />Forget the economics, you'll never compete with Walmart. That said, Walmart will never have the quality that comes out of your own field. No store will, not even those high-priced organic stores. "Your food tastes better when you know its name." But that is beside the point of the post. If you do not have complete control of your food and water from field to table, you are vulnerable to the disruption of a very complex system, a vulnerability which can cost you your life.Jimnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7003348645601520194.post-46894747615164955902014-09-21T23:17:40.371-05:002014-09-21T23:17:40.371-05:00You're right, there is a very thin veneer. It ...You're right, there is a very thin veneer. It doesn't make a lot of national coverage, but towns like Chicago and Detroit have crimes happening everyday, which we in rural, civilized America never see or hear about. That veneer, that now seems to protect us all, will be shed very quickly when things start to go down. We had all better pray that we're close to home when the veneer dissolves. <br /><br />Frank<br />Frank and Fernhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15570058990887565563noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7003348645601520194.post-75711146396374100442014-09-21T22:18:17.224-05:002014-09-21T22:18:17.224-05:00I remember reading an article about how those that...I remember reading an article about how those that grew rice where more collectivist than those who grew grain because growing grain could be accomplished individually. You might need a small village to grow rice.<br /><br />Check out Caragana Arborescens (Also known as Siberian Pea Tree, Siberian Peashrub) recently profiled on Survivalblog, I plan on ordering some after winter is over. They are nitro fixing, drought tolerant and produces similar yearly harvests that are high in protein and oil content. <br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7003348645601520194.post-14743886132356561442014-09-21T22:09:27.927-05:002014-09-21T22:09:27.927-05:00You seem to have taken the same trip from liberali...You seem to have taken the same trip from liberalism to survivalism that many have. Once you have seen past the veneer of civilization there is no looking back. It took years of working in inner cities trying to make a difference for me.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7003348645601520194.post-90014551767044709972014-09-21T20:07:56.525-05:002014-09-21T20:07:56.525-05:00Actually, when I was overseas, I had the opportuni...Actually, when I was overseas, I had the opportunity to eat dog in a restaurant. You know the old saying, when in Rome, do as the Romans? Well, when in rural South Korea, up by the DMZ, then do as the South Koreans do. I know some will find this gross and repulsive, but at that time, 1970, it was just another red meat on the menu. It was one of these order by number type places, kind of like when you pull into a McDonald's now and order a number six. I can remember it clearly to this day, 40 years later. There it was on the menu, K-9, finger lickin' good. Take care. Thanks for the comment.<br /><br />Frank<br />Frank and Fernhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15570058990887565563noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7003348645601520194.post-6605321209167716362014-09-21T19:58:46.120-05:002014-09-21T19:58:46.120-05:00Excellent article! A little.on the optimistic side...Excellent article! A little.on the optimistic side I think. That corn, you best be up before sunup every day or the crows will get the sprouts. Well, not just corn. Better keep a close eye on those chickens and goats. The feral dogs will be rampant after a few weeks. Actually it's like that now around here. Of course you might find dog is pretty tasty.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7003348645601520194.post-40292723252517495932014-09-21T14:15:51.877-05:002014-09-21T14:15:51.877-05:00You are probably right about having more than one ...You are probably right about having more than one years supply of food, because you never know what's going to happen. It's good that you can provide for another adult, but if you think about it, there are many reasons to have lots of extra food. Make plans now to prepare while times are good. Fern and I had to deal with my back injury this year which happened to come right at peak garden time. But, it can be other things, weather, pestilence or many other events can set you back. Thanks for the comment.<br /><br />Frank<br />Frank and Fernhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15570058990887565563noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7003348645601520194.post-70639590790966965102014-09-21T14:11:55.149-05:002014-09-21T14:11:55.149-05:00Just Me, I think many people are going to be shock...Just Me, I think many people are going to be shocked. Like I said in the post, many people think that they are just going to go out and start raising food. This is very shallow and naive. It takes lots of work to raise food. People we know comment, "Why do you do that when you can buy it at the grocery store?" There are many reasons why. One is the pride of being able to feed myself. But even with all of the practice in growing food, I don't think that I could grow enough to feed my family. It's a lot of work. Thank you for your comment.<br /><br />Frank<br />Frank and Fernhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15570058990887565563noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7003348645601520194.post-57959326942100063342014-09-21T14:07:09.337-05:002014-09-21T14:07:09.337-05:00The fence is 48" field fence with one strand ...The fence is 48" field fence with one strand of barbed wire across the bottom, and 2 strands across the top. The corral is made out of graduated stock panels. Is it worth the cost of the fence? Absolutely. It is priceless. <br /><br />I've never used electric fence for livestock. I have never had a goat or sheep get out of my fencing. Why would they? They are well fed, well maintained and all of their needs are met. I did have a billy once that was a fence jumper, but he only jumped to where the girls were. So, after his job was done, he left.<br /><br />I also don't have problems with predators getting into my fence either. In the last six years I have had a couple of stray dogs in my pastures. They probably came through the gates. I have no mercy for any predator in my pasture. None. This is just the way it is. Therefore, to date, we have had no predator problems. I don't think dead goats, or dead baby goats are the least bit cute. Any predator that crosses my path will not live to see another day.<br /><br />So, good fences, make good neighbors. We consider good fencing to be an excellent investment in tangible assets. The dividends pay for years. Thank you for your observation.<br /><br />Frank<br />Frank and Fernhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15570058990887565563noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7003348645601520194.post-3651892680375426032014-09-21T13:56:20.985-05:002014-09-21T13:56:20.985-05:00It's always an honor to have your work recogni...It's always an honor to have your work recognized by others. <br /><br />FrankFrank and Fernhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15570058990887565563noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7003348645601520194.post-10198601567818207052014-09-21T13:55:29.856-05:002014-09-21T13:55:29.856-05:00I'm very sorry for your loss. It must trouble ...I'm very sorry for your loss. It must trouble your heart that people would steal from you. It's a sign of the times. But it's not worth going to jail for a bushel of tomatoes.<br /><br />I think it started a while back, and I believe we are well in to an irreversible calamity. On the positive side, consider yourself fortunate that it was just tomatoes. Events like this should be a wake up call. Next time they may come for something significantly more precious. Good luck. Watch your back.<br /><br />Frank<br />Frank and Fernhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15570058990887565563noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7003348645601520194.post-41311605615325316672014-09-21T13:48:09.168-05:002014-09-21T13:48:09.168-05:00Hi Jim. Thank you for responding. People need to r...Hi Jim. Thank you for responding. People need to read your comment more than once.<br /><br />We've learned a lot this year with my back injury, the amount of time that it takes, just to take care of the infirm. Our food production dropped sharply this year. We are fortunate to live in a society that is blessed with abundance, but over a period of a couple of days, or even a couple of hours, that abundance can be stripped from the shelves. Then that feeling of being blessed, will quickly deteriorate. <br /><br />The Town Criers have been warning us for a long time, "Prepare Ye, Prepare Ye!" Keep up the good work and thank you for all that you do.<br /><br />Frank<br />Frank and Fernhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15570058990887565563noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7003348645601520194.post-46257705788245877022014-09-21T13:39:03.732-05:002014-09-21T13:39:03.732-05:00I was not aware of the school lunch program starti...I was not aware of the school lunch program starting then, but I can certainly see why. I'm sure there is a certain percentage of people that are aware of what is coming, and of that group, there is a certain percentage of them that are actively preparing. I heard a brilliant man state once, that if 1% of the population were to earnestly prepare, then the store shelves would be empty. <br /><br />Okay. The closest town to me, which is 30 miles away, has about 10,000 people. 1% would be 100 people. So, imagine if 100 people went into, let's say Wal-Mart, and bought all of the staple foods that they needed, would the shelves be empty? My Wal-Mart keeps about 10 boxes of Grape Nuts at any time. This is just an example. 10 boxes of Grape Nuts and 100 people. Not going to go very far, is it? Food for thought. 1%, what about the other 99%? Better get it while you can. Thank you for the excellent comment.<br /><br />Frank<br />Frank and Fernhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15570058990887565563noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7003348645601520194.post-12152691953860669742014-09-21T13:31:47.367-05:002014-09-21T13:31:47.367-05:00Thank you for the comment. I had a great conversat...Thank you for the comment. I had a great conversation at church today with your son-in-law, and the lunch was great. We'll talk more later.<br /><br />FrankFrank and Fernhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15570058990887565563noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7003348645601520194.post-70693011065642367322014-09-21T13:29:44.136-05:002014-09-21T13:29:44.136-05:00Hossmiester, thank you for the comment. Unfortunat...Hossmiester, thank you for the comment. Unfortunately, I believe you are correct. Most people are playing a head game with themselves. I'm not exactly sure why. Fear. Fear of the unknown. I really don't know. But most will wait until the stores are closed, and then wait for the government to take care of them. That can lead into multiple different scenarios. You may have just picked seeds as an example, but seeds in the future will be critical. Thanks again for reading.<br /><br />Frank<br />Frank and Fernhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15570058990887565563noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7003348645601520194.post-23329552033784793002014-09-21T12:00:15.790-05:002014-09-21T12:00:15.790-05:00In reality one should have 2 years worth of food b...In reality one should have 2 years worth of food because it will take that first year to figure it out. However, as I am learning, that can also be depleted should a grown child move in. For me, a lesson I am still working on.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7003348645601520194.post-4494220378734447182014-09-21T11:38:39.107-05:002014-09-21T11:38:39.107-05:00Wow. That's telling it like it is.
That gr...Wow. That's telling it like it is. <br /><br />That great post kind of knocked a little more sense into me and I've maintained a garden for years. Also, I've tested my mettle with goats, and I forage annually for black walnuts. (Lots of dense, nutritious, delicious calories in black walnuts!) <br /><br />Never tried to steal anyone else's food, though. Never will. I'll gratefully glean, but never steal. <br /><br />I hope those who are deluding themselves into thinking they can step right into food production will see the light after reading this. The level of physical exertion alone will be a shock. <br /><br />Just Me Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7003348645601520194.post-17217031146877990622014-09-21T08:13:44.455-05:002014-09-21T08:13:44.455-05:00A very real look at what it will take to "Sur...A very real look at what it will take to "Survive". So many of my friends and neighbors think "I will simply throw some seeds in the ground and Viola Instant garden. I always ask them "So you got those seeds bought?" There answer usually is "well i will pick some up next payday". Guess what? They still have no seeds.<br />Thank you very much for this article I am going to try ans subscribe to your blog.<br />HossmiesterHossmiesternoreply@blogger.com