Things To Read

Friday, January 15, 2016

Fare Well, from Frank & Fern

We have reached a major milestone on the blog. Since we began writing here on May 30, 2013, we have had 1,000,000 pageviews. Yes, one million, because an unbelievable number of folks have dropped by, and for that, we wish to thank you. These words hardly seem adequate. We are humbled by the number of folks that stop by to read and comment.

 


The time has also come for us to say farewell. The condition of our world is such that, if you've been reading here long, you know our efforts are focused on completing projects that will hopefully make our lives a little easier when the collapse occurs. Time is precious and there aren't enough hours in the day to accomplish the things we see as imperative to our survival. Thus, this will be our last article for the foreseeable future.

We have long been fans of Jeremiah Johnson and wanted to share this clip with you.


It does seem like far, the distance we've come and the amazing amount we have learned since starting this blog. The knowledge and experience shared by readers has enriched our lives in innumerable ways. As you watch Jeremiah and see the facial expressions caused by the difficulty of survival, know too, this is coming to all of us. The challenges that await us are unknown, but the sure knowledge of their arrival is clear. 


We encourage you to apply the final touches to your preparations. The events unfolding in the world appear to be creating the perfect storm. How that storm will come crashing down around us, we do not know, but it is no longer way out there on the horizon, it is at the door. The wind is blowing in our faces, bringing with it the still small voice of warning which gets louder everyday. Time is short, get everything accomplished that is in your power.

What thoughts can we leave you with in parting?
  • Pay attention and be vigilant.
  • Don't be distracted by things that are not important.
  • Sift through all the fakery of the world and focus on what is important, not what others tell you is important.
  • Hold your family close and prepare them for what is coming.
  • Mental preparation is the most important part of your preps.
  • The will to survive can overcome many seemingly insurmountable obstacles.
  • Avoid crowds.
  • Always remember, humor is the essence of survival. 
  • Don't get on the bus, or the truck.
  • Ask God for direction and inspiration.



We pray that God will bless and keep each one of you in the coming days, that He will give you strength and guidance. We pray that you will Fare Well.

From the humble hearts of,

Frank & Fern

170 comments:

  1. Nooooooooooooooooooooo!!! No! No! No! Don't leave us. Pleeeeeeeeeeeeze!

    We need you.

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  2. Oh, No! I will miss hearing from you so much. It seems like the voices I have listened to via "blogdom" are dropping aside rather quickly. I assume many are feeling the imminent dread that we should all be feeling. I wish you the best and will remember your encouraging words and helpful information. Your blog and links you provided have gotten me well into the skill of making goat cheese, for instance. I just wish I could have a private conversation with you about goat keeping, in general. May God bless you both. Deborah in Idaho.

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  3. Frank and Fern,
    It is not good bye , but we'll see you later down the trail. Thank you so much for your time , efforts , thoughts and advice . May the Lord bless you and guide you into the future .
    Bluesman

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  4. Well I am truly sorry to see you go but can understand why. I gave mine up two years ago after having it for about five. It begins to take up to much time that needs to be used for other endeavors.

    Hope you all remain well and are able to weather the coming storms. Take care and May God Bless as Red Skelton used to say. Everett

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  5. Really going to miss you guys. You've done so much for the preparedness community. Will see you on the other side of this mess..............

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  6. Fern and Frank - i read your post and my heart was heavy...i will miss you both so much. but i thank you for all that you have shared.

    and i leave with this song in my head...a song by the Rankin family, a family from my island. please play this link:

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X6-mo4jS8VI

    it is a beautiful song and i thought of it as i read your post...your post is hauntingly beautiful...as is the song above. i hope that you enjoy it.

    many, many thanks. so much more to say...but where to start? your friends,
    kymber and jambaloney

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    1. i hope that you play the song...it is about lovers separating, probably never to meet again...and it is hauntingly beautiful. i just felt while reading this post that i wish you both the best. and then i saw that you commented on our blog...and i was thankful for having known you. please play the song, if you can, i think it will sum up what all of your readers here are feeling.xoxox

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  7. Dear Frank and Fern,

    You will be very missed. So many of us have learned so much from you and checked eagerly for each new post to read. My husband and I both read you and have truly found your blog inspirational.

    May God bless you and guide you. We wish you the very best going forth. Thank you so much for all you have shared with us.

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  8. You will be sorely missed. I don't think I've ever teared up over a blogger ceasing to post before - you folks got me with this one. I certainly respect your need to prioritize and will ponder this myself since I recently started back to blogging after a hiatus. You make a great point about where the hours of the day are best spent. *sigh* Thank you for the many things you've taught us and the glimpses into your lives. I appreciate your efforts very much. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

    Wishing you peace and safety.
    "May all the saints in heaven keep you safe and warm on all saints day and every day from all troubles and from harm."

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  9. Will you leave the blog site up so we can reference the material? That would sure be helpful.

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    1. Yes, the blog will stay as is. We hope you continue to find it useful. Blessings, Fern

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    2. Thank you for leaving your blog up.

      Delete
  10. Dear Frank and Fern, you will be missed, you truly will. I've never commented but I've been reading your blog for about a year now, after linking from Patrice's blog. We've never met and probably never will this side of eternity, but you feel like kindred spirits, a brother and sister. You're loved and appreciated more than you can know. Go do what you need to do, I'll miss you, but I understand exactly why you're closing up the blog to focus on your preparations. You've given us, your readers, so much. Thanks a million. You're in my prayers.
    Evelyn, in Colorado

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  11. May God be with you and yours during the coming times.

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  12. Thanks for the time and effort you have given .

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  13. Omg, it makes me sick to see you go. But I totally understand. May God keep you safe. Hugs

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  14. Thank you for everything. I will miss reading about Frank and Fern... Take care

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  15. I am really sorry to see you two go and will miss you. You have been a voice of reason in all the craziness out there and I always enjoyed reading your thoughts in the morning with my coffee. Good luck to you and know that we are out here thinking of you. Love you guys.

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    1. Tewshooz, you have shared some wonderful knowledge with us, not to mention your great, straight forward way of putting things. May the Lord bless and keep you. Fern

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  16. Thank you for your time and sharing, be well, good luck and God bless you on the balance of your journey.

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  17. Drop a note once in awhile to let us know you're well. So fare well friends. If we speak not again in this life then around the throne of heaven will we meet once more. God blessings upon you both.

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  18. Congratulations on the million views, that was sure to happen with the quality of your postings. Hope you leave the blog up so I/we can use it as a reference, especially the comm's area.
    Again thank you for sharing your knowledge.
    God Bless.
    And see you on the other side.

    Regards, Mike Yukon mike.yukon@yahoo.com

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  19. Thanks and so long. Some day again.

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  20. That looks like a good-sized thunderstorm anvil in the background behind the flag...

    Prayers to you..

    Willy

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  21. You will be missed. Thank you for all the wisdom you have shared and we will meet on the far side of Death if not here.

    And to second Tewshooz, love you guys. Be careful among the English.

    Lhiats, TB

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  22. You will be missed, but it is totally understandable why you have chosen to end your time on the blog. Blessing to you both, thank you for sharing your lives with us.

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  23. My heart is hurting. You have guided me further and given me new ideas while I prepare also for what is coming. Thank you so much for your generous sharing of your thoughts and ideas. I was hoping to continue to follow the success of your green house and the new additions to your barn. May God bless you both and your family.
    Mesquite

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  24. Seems only recently that I discovered your blog, I have enjoyed it so.

    Thank you and God Bless, you will be missed.

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  25. Thanks for all you've done. You've been really instrumental in getting me moving, and in getting my family to listen. Not sure exactly how I'm going to fill that gap without you...

    Can't exactly blame you, though. Time does, indeed, appear to be very short. Be safe. Be blessed.

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  26. Thank you for the time and research you've put into this blog. I will miss you. Where else can I go to get my priorities straight?
    Odiie

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  27. Thank you for all your wonderful blog post, I have so enjoyed "stopping by" in the morning for coffee over the past few years! You will both be missed greatly. Thanks for being a blessing to me and many others. May God bless you and keep you safe.
    ~ J at Willow Creek

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  28. Thanks for this wonderful blog. It was like a warm visit with great friends and close family! I understand why you need to change your proprities. A special thanks for the great advice, step by step instructions into new activities, and encouragement for the future. Stay strong and happy in this coming frightening storm.
    -Sandra

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  29. Thank you both so much. May God bless you and keep you safe always.
    In His joy... Grandpa and family send

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  30. Thank you for all your thoughts and advice. You'll both be missed. I hope you will post updates, if time permits. I have the same feelings about all that is going on and time is precious.

    Take care & God Bless you both.
    ~ hobo

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  31. Thank you both, for sharing your thoughts and your experiences. Lots of folks are working hard, but you guys do it with grace.

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  32. I've commented from time to time, and will sorely miss your advice and experience. Thank you for sharing your time and homestead with all of us over the years. I was really hoping to get a cottage cheese update. :) Take care of each other and God bless!

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  33. Sorry to see you guys go. You will be greatly missed. Maybe you could pop in for a tiny post every great once in a while?? It sadly seems that all the good bloggers go.
    Kimberly

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  34. I am really, really, going to miss your posts. You folks got me going in the right direction and I will be forever grateful. Just know that you made a difference, big and small. A small difference is the fact that I am on my 'second cutting' of the lettuce I am growing on a south facing window shelf in my basement. I'll be 'branching out' in the future. Thank you both so much. Perhaps you could just do an occasional post? Maybe a couple of times a month? This is a sad day.

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  35. I’ve just returned from visitation at the funeral home. A wonderful woman of God passed. Even though she was elderly, her passing was unexpected. I told her family that I am happy for her, but sad for them. That’s how I feel now. I am happy for you, but sad for all of your readers, myself included. I have enjoyed reading your blog, and greatly appreciate the readers’ comments that you post. I learn so much from everyone. I understand why you are no longer blogging. I feel the same sense of urgency as you. No matter what I have done, I know there is so much more to do. I am sure that God will provide. He has never failed me, and He never will. Thank you for the time you have spent in this ministry. I look forward to meeting you. I’ll be the lady standing beside you, praising our Savior.

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  36. Well Darn.... Just found your blog a month ago, hope your archives will be up for a while.

    Good luck and thank you, and God Bless you.

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  37. One question, will you (do you) have a disk of all your articles that's available?

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  38. You both will be missed but never forgotten.

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  39. So sorry to see you go. Your blog was always the one that kept me up to date with our National crisis, and encouraged me to persevere. Your ideas helped me in my preparedness. You will be greatly missed.

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  40. www.armstrongeconomics.com Click the blog tab and look for the cycle graphs.

    Martin Armstrong invented an artificial intelligence system that provides the timing of events to unfold.

    2016 is the beginning. 2017-2020 - upheaval like we've never seen before.

    War cycle; cycle of political change are all now in resonance. It is a 309 year cycle that is now turning.

    By 2033, either the reformation will happen and power will be pushed back to the states or if things go terribly wrong, we will enter a new Dark Age. Dark Ages typically last 618 years.

    The artificial intelligence system forecasted the events of today back in 1985.

    How accurate is the AI system? To the day - 30 years in advance. Right now, the AI system wants to dig a hole and hide after 2032. Things can change, but they only change when there is a severe crisis. Yes, there is hope. There is a plan that is written and sitting in several desks on Capitol Hill, waiting for the right time to pull it out. In short, it is a debt-for-equity swap. If it goes through, the pivot will happen. Best guess at this point - 10% chance of success.

    For the readers of this blog, you are correct to prepare. By September 1, 2016 be ready to ride out a Category 10 hurricane through January 31, 2020.

    Of greatest concern is the coming disease/death cycle forecasted for 2019. Think Black Death, 21st century style. MR-1, Ebola, etc. Isolation wards are a good idea along with rehearsing the procedures of ingress, egress, decontamination and monitoring.

    Thank You Frank and Fern for sharing this information.

    In Christ Jesus, may you both and those who read this be protected and guided through the storm.

    God help us.

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    1. Thank you for the link. Could you post a more specific link for the graphs? Having trouble locating them.

      Thanks again.

      Delete
  41. Understand completely but, still sad to see you go. Wanted to say thanks. Really...thank you. I found your blog several months ago and (along with all of the helpful information) just knowing that there were others "out there" of like mind, helped me in my own life & with preparations, more than I can express. Definitely time to batten down the hatches. The sense of foreboding grows with every passing day. I wish you and Frank the very best and thank you both so much for all the help you gave to all of us out here. God Bless You. T

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  42. So sorry to see you go but truly understand the reason. Will keep you on my list of favorites and know I will refer to your blogs for quite some time.

    Take care and God bless.

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    1. Bellen, you have taught me much and I will miss you. I wish you and your husband safe journey through the storm. Blessings, Fern

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  43. I find some hope in "foreseeable future". Good luck and thanks for all you have done. Your amateur radio posts have been a good resource for both new and old hams.
    Terry
    Fla.

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  44. Thank you for what you have done, God bless and check back when you can.

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  45. Im sure sorry to see you go but it's completely understandable. Your blog has been of tremendous value and I thank you for all your efforts. I wish you all the best. Keep your powder dry and watch your top knot.

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  46. I don't want you to go but so understand. I wish you the best and will remember your encouraging words and helpful information. Will keep you on my list of favorites and know I will refer to your blogs for quite some time. God bless you both till we meet on the other side.
    Coni

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  47. While I wish you would continue, I understand this decision.
    Fare thee well.

    Carl in the UP

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  48. Oops, somehow my previous comment maybe posted.

    I have not been a regular reader, but I have enjoyed the posts I have read. I know that you are going to stop blogging, but you can leave your blog up so we can read through the archives.
    Another reason to leave your blog up: not to be regular bloggers as you have been in the past, but for the possibility of communicating for an emergency.

    Thank you for sharing a window into your life. Best wishes to you and all of us as life becomes less and less certain.

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  49. Full circle. Thanks Uncle Frank and Fern!

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  50. So sorry to see you go, but understand the need. God be with you until we meet again.

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  51. Best wishes. Know that your posts brought much information and support to those of us who know that the wolf is finally at the door.

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  52. My wife just told me that your blog was ending .... now I see why she has suddenly announced we will be processing the cheese squash this morning that has been sitting on the shelf since Oct. harvest ! You have made an impact way beyond your " knowing ". Best to you both - the event has begun !

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  53. Thank you for leaving your blog up, as I just came across it last month and Have been blessed by your humbleness and insight. I respect and thank God for your decision to attend to other matters, as the Lord so leads. Trust and obey, for there is no other way..

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  54. I have visited your site regularly and learned much from you both. Iam really sorry to see you go. I hope you are able to complete all your projects in time. Take care, you will be missed and may God see you through whatever may lie in our future.

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  55. its funny how life works, this is the first time i have heard of you guys and its the last post u will prob ever make, i am wondering if you will still have the information from your archive up for others to see?

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  56. Thank you for having shared with us through your blog.
    I wrote on Patrice's blog, that I felt like my dad was letting go of my bicycle. He worked with me for weeks, much longer than most children need, but he didn't let go until I was in control. It was years before I understood how much it had required of my dad. He'd been in an explosion in Saigon in 1962 from which the effects just got worse every year. Yet, he ran alongside me and I somehow, by the grace of God, got it before he couldn't do it any more.
    I know you probably hung on also. I know you need to let go. You've got all our training wheels off our bikes and many more of us are wobbling along, but picking up speed and learning to smile as we pedal.
    Thank you so much for hanging on until we did.
    sidetracksusie

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  57. Sorry to see this end, being I'm fairly new here. I understand your need to focus your energies. Just know though, that your efforts here will always be welcome and necessary. For many of your readers, the fire has already been primed, and the preparations are underway. There are many though, who still need the truth and encouragement your blog provides. Thanks for all you've done! God bless, and, as we sailors say, fair winds and following seas!

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  58. I think you are right, the collapse that has been coming is here, it is not over the horizon, or on its way we are seeing it. Bu most people are blissfully ignorant, and when things spiral out of control, as they will and rather soon and rather quickly, will gladly get on the bus and go to a FEMA camp for a long term stay that will make the post Katrina Superdome look like club Med, complete with a daily ration of Soylent Green, Then and only then most (not all) will catch on.

    "Don't get on the bus, or the truck. "

    Thank you for your work, good luck to you, God bless, and if we do not meet in this world, see you in the next.

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  59. Good advice-as always-God speed.
    Thank You!

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  60. So sorry to see you go. You all were such a bright spot in my sphere. Still trying to read and reread your posts. I started with you late last fall and feel like we are kindred spirits.

    Do not falter, fight the good fight, for the rewards are eternal.

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  61. I am at a loss of words to fully express how much your blog has meant to me. The best I can share is my gratitude for your willingness to share your lives.
    I understand how time and energy are both limited. I pray that God will continue to bless the two of you. With fondness, SJ in Vancouver BC Canada

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    1. SJ, know that I will miss your comments and will wonder how you are doing. May God bless and keep you. Fern

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    2. I have very much enjoyed and appreciated your lives as you've shared them with us. Maybe someday you'll get to a point where you can do it again. Many blessings.

      WolfBrother

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  62. Oh no!! I have so enjoyed reading your blog and have learned a great many things from you guys. I will miss you terribly. Please check in from time to time. We need your wisdom and knowledge. I pray that God will bless you both.

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  63. Thank you Frank and Fern. I have tears to know that I won't be able to drop in for a visit or for mentoring. I wish you protection by Yahweh from all evil. Maybe I will get to see you both some day on the other side. Shannon from East Texas

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  64. I just found this blog today, and it's closing!
    How about when we are CLEARLY in collapse and EVERYONE knows it and allthose things are happening that you are preparing for, that you give a shout. Even if it's just to say "it's here. And we're doing fine".

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  65. I just read your post for the first time and God reminded me of a short poem, i wrote over 35 years ago, when I was a hopeless alcoholic.

    Of all the people on this earth ... I fear only one,
    As boldly he marches daily, across the shadow of my mind.
    That man is Me ... and the weapon that he carries ... is my own Selfishness and Greed.

    The Final act in preparation, and indeed the most difficult ... Is the Forsaking of "All"
    In order to follow Him ... who Created us ... To Be His Children.

    May the God we Serve together, Continue to Richly Bless and Protect you, on " Your Journey."

    www.journeystory.com

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  66. You two have been a great encouragement and sometimes a prod to me and to my husband. I will miss those frequent updates and especially the cute pics of your Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. :-) I understand that you need to focus on your preparations and I bid you a very affectionate farewell. May God be gracious to us all.

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  67. Sad to see you go. Thank you so much for your great advice and the little push now and then.Bless you and keep safe, warm and happy.

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  68. We will miss you and thank you for leaving this blog. It is an enormous resource to have as long as we can. There is just so much to do. (like go and chase the turkeys off the roof) To live securely and well in the troubled times to come your advice and leadership is and has been great gift. We can all be more like the two of you....determined, dedicated and driven! God bless you and keep you safe!

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  69. Fern and Frank,
    We wish you well on your farm,continue striving toward your goals. Your blog is an inspiration to all of us and a resource of knowledge. You both have friends in central OK. God Bless you both.

    Sandy, Bulldog Man and Tank

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  70. Going to miss you two. You have been a bright spot in a darkening world.

    Bob

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  71. Thank you. May God bless you both.

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  72. Thank you seems so inadequate but I do THANK YOU. Thank you for your generosity, your knowledge, your faith and for most of all being who you both are. I will miss your blog tremendously but I do understand why you feel the need to stop blogging. The world is falling apart and we must all do what we can to survive and protect our own. I know I won't meet you in this lifetime but I hope and pray we will meet in the next.

    May The Lord bless you and keep you both safe.

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    1. Calidore, I look forward to meeting you in the next. Thank you for sharing your experiences in Australia and your outdoor kitchen. I will miss our 'conversations'. May God bless you and yours.

      Fern

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  73. I was directed to your blog only recently, so I am disappointed but of course understand your need to bid adieu.

    Thank you for sharing your adventure.

    May the God of all creation, even our Father, hold you and all of us close in his loving protection as we prepare to weather the storm.

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  74. Thank you for everything you have shared. Not only for the articles, but also for the pictures. May God continue to bless both of you. You can move on to your future endeavors knowing that you have made the world a better place for those of us who have come to know you through this blog.

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  75. I'm sad that I just recently found you and your signing off. But I understand as just this morning I had a dream that told me the storm is imminent. Thank you for the comfort you have brought with your gentle yet very wise/timely advice. You remind me of how Jesus speaks to me. May God keep both of you in the palm of his hand. I'll look you up on the other side.
    In Him,
    Jennifer

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  76. this is the first time ive ran across your site.....go and do exploits and be a light for those in the darkness.....i think my service will be spent as a nomad who gathers people and brings them to safty....god bless and be safe....

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  77. Thank you. You have given much courage and hope. Expert advice and wisdom to all who cared to listen.

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  78. Thank you both for all you have done. I felt like i had friends to talk to. No one that I have tried to warn has responded. They think I am nuts. When Wal-mart closes stores and groceries are rising so fast. Every time I go to the store they are higher. When our government is so corrupt and doesn't care for the common people, it is time to prepare. I have learned so much from you and other bloggers. You were a voice of reason. I appreciate all your efforts. God bless you both, your animals and farm.
    Cathy

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  79. Well, I burnt the oatmeal this a.m., while deep in thought about your blog and decision to stop blogging. I briefly replied yesterday to the news and since have read the post on 'hearing aid' and well, wouldn't you know it, Our daughter, too, had surgery at age 12, for cholosteotoma in her left ear and has a hearing loss. Your experience of symptoms last summer, may help us in the future, when the clinics/doctors are not available. So I am writing to say, thank you (again) for opening your heart and home to complete strangers; being honest about aging challenges as Age Happens and denial can be life threatening. thanks for the detailed blogs about your experiences,'learning curves' in life, when life has thrown you a curve ball and the necessity of being practical, having Faith in God, Humor, etc. All this takes time to share-write down- and you have made sacrifices for taking the time to share. The phrase of 'Internet Highway/traffic' comes to mind, one can get bogged down in blogging or in reading one too many blogs. You are taking the country road detour- good for you, time to refresh one's spirit and be still and know that God is God. 'Grace, mercy and peace will be with us (you) from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, in truth and love. 2 John 1:3

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    1. We all have challenges, and most times, we wouldn't wish ours on anyone else. At the same time, others have challenges that I am truly grateful I do not have. Sorry you burnt the oatmeal. (-:
      Blessings, Fern

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  80. Frank and Fern, I thank you for your words of wisdom, and for your insights. I wish I could say that you are wrong, and you are reading the signs wrong, but I would be lying. We have much in common, and I wish that I could sit down and talk with the two of you in person. That's what your blog has been for me- it feels like a nice long chat over a cup of tea. I wish both of you every good thing in life.

    I'd like to add that we should all keep an eye on the smoke and mirrors. When the mass media starts hyping some idiotic celebrity stunt, or some minor transgression of a public figure, look deeper. WHAT are they trying to divert our attention away from? Keep an eye on those deeper stories.

    Post when you can. I do love hearing from you!

    -Bettina

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  81. My husband just told me you were stopping the blog! I cried out "noooo!" You have to promise to post about the pigs when the babies arrive :-) I feel like I'm losing good friends but I know that's NOT true & hopefully we'll meet some day. Meantime, stay strong, keep preparing, as we will, and THANK YOU for all you've shared with us and educated us on. I'm am truly grateful for your blogs, pictures and links to other sites. They are all invaluable to me and I want to thank you for leaving everything "up" for us to reference to (otherwise I would have been up all night copying & pasting into files !!). May God bless you & keep you & make his face shine upon you!

    -Debbie in Texas

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  82. “Forget the former things;
    do not dwell on the past.
    See, I am doing a new thing!
    Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?
    I am making a way in the wilderness
    and streams in the wasteland." Isaiah 43:18-19

    With a heart full of kindness and many blessings...thank you for sharing your way in the wilderness. Peace~ Theresa

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  83. Thank you so much for your time to this blog and the inspiration you have given me. Your many articles about your various projects have inspired me more than once to 'get out of the chair and out the door' to practice my preps and learn how to do things myself. I have been motivated by your words of wisdom and insight into this life and current conditions. Thank you again, and God bless you.

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  84. Let me also say that I am going to miss you. Thanks for all the knowledge you have shared over the years. I am so glad you are leaving the blog up so that I can go back for reviews.

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  85. I'm another one who is sad to see you go. You have been a strong beacon for the rest of us striving toward simpler living and greater preparedness.

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  86. This brings a lump to my throat. We have never met, but I feel like I have known you forever. You can't know the immeasurable impact you have had on my life and the lives of my family. In November I was finally able to purchase my 5 acre homestead and move out of the city. Each post of yours over the last several years was speaking directly to me, and allowed me to make many informed decisions, from ham radios to well pumps to outdoor kitchen stoves to goats to gardening, etc. It is with a heavy heart that I say thank you; no, thank you doesn't cover it. You have altered the course of history for my family, for the better. We now have a fighting chance to face this coming tsunami, and we owe you a debt of gratitude. I know that I will have many questions soon as we get to spring and our homesteading kicks into high gear; is there a way that I can ask you questions? If not, that's is fine, but I had to ask!! Anyway, after we weather this storm and conquer the coming battlefield, I hope to see you on the other side, Lord willing. Take care, Scott

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    1. Congratulations on your move, Scott, and thank you for your kind words. For now, we are still checking and posting comments, so you can ask questions here. All the best to you and yours. Fern

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  87. There is a time and a season for everything. I know very well that writing a blog can consume a surprising amount of valuable time.

    That said, you can always change your mind at a later date. Or, perhaps a single monthly blog post? I did that for a few of my years of blogging.

    Sorry to see you go. I wish you the very best.

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    1. Ooh! I LOVE the idea of the monthly update! PLEASE??? We all so care about you and am thankful for your wisdom. This has been like having a good friend walk out of our lives, even though we never met.

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  88. I will miss you so very much, I look forward to your blog every morning. Thank you for all you have shared and best of luck on all your future projects.

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  89. Jeremiah Johnson has always been one of my favorite movies. I first saw it when I was very young and it left an indelible impression. Thank you and God's peace to you both.

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  90. So sorry to see you go! Thanks for all the great information, specifically the radio info. We are setting up something and using your information to get started! Good Luck!

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  91. THANK YOU for everything - for the information, for the inspiration. It is good to know that there are folks like you two out there. Gives me hope.

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    1. That's true, Jason. I know there are some of us in the Heartland, where I live. It's nice to know that there are people like use everywhere in the country and the world. It gives me some hope that if I'm away when "it" happens, someone may help me to get home. Maybe I'll be able to do that for someone too. Our security is important, but we need to remember to be benevolent Christians.

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  92. How special to have such nice friends and neighbors. Some say that is extremely rare these days, but I say you have to look in the right places. You two have always touched my heart with gentle teachings of things physical and spiritual. See you all on the other side. Love, G&S

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  93. Dear Frank and Fern, I started reading your blog about 6 months ago, and was ever so sad to see your last post. As many of us do, I struggle daily with work, my family, my relationship with God, and how to proceed in these crazy times. With limited resources, every life decision is critical. I'm praying for you and all of us - for wisdom and guidance from our Heavenly Father. I already miss you. Be well!

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  94. you will be greatly missed, but I'll bet you figured that out already! ;)
    Blessings...

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  95. Thanks for all your thoughts and sound advice! You will be greatly missed. You have been a great inspiration and a reassurance that I am not crazy and what I see around me is real regardless what the media says. Thanks!

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  96. So so sorry to see this blog end, but totally understand why you're doing it. You've provided such a wealth of knowledge AND inspiration and I thank you for all you've done for the preparedness community! G-d be with you both!

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  97. Sorry to see you go but completely understand. Thanks for sharing your knowledge with us. Started reading your blog only recently and glad it will stay up. God bless you!

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  98. I am so sad to hear this! I will miss your posts greatly. I may be gone from the Internet for a few days, but I would always come back to check in. At the same time, I understand. I will miss the kick in the pants that you both have given me a few time when I wanted to just throw in the towel when it came to prepping. You will be greatly missed my friends.

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  99. Farewell! You will be missed. I have enjoyed your blog, thank you for all you have shared! Good luck with all of your endeavors!

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  100. Many, Many thanks for all that you have shared with us, your internet community. The impact you have had has multitudes of ripples.
    Fare thee well and Godspeed.
    Respectfully, Pam Baker

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  101. Hey Frank & Fern, as to the question on where to locate those graphs at www.armstrongeconomics.com. On main page, click on the blog tab, then scroll down to search box on right side and type in cycle graphs..... it will take you there.

    Will miss you guys, love you and God Bless!

    Midwestgrammie

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  102. What! But, no. Okay, I am resigned to your farewell. Best wishes. I will miss your posts!

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  103. Thank you Frank and Fern. I have been enjoying your blog for quite a long time. Every day it has been a blessing.
    God Bless you both.
    Cathy in Texas

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  104. Hi Frank and Fern,
    Hope you check back in from time to time.
    I was reading "Companion Planting" by Gertrude Frank and thought about your cabbage woes. Lots of good info.
    Take care

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  105. Due to some health problems I have not checked in lately. (Obviously) I am so sorry to see you go, have followed you since the beginning I believe. I will miss y'all and I greatly miss Quilted Canner too. God bless you both.

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  106. Just in case you check in here Hope you're both doing good! We still miss and love you both !!!!!! God Bless
    Sue

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  107. thought i would mention that daughter is using your soda/vinegar hair care and loves it. keeps saying, feel how soft it is.

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  108. Happy Easter! May God continue to bless you! Miss you greatly.

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  109. Holy cow...I lose internet access for a bit, and I come back to this? God Bless you guys, it's been a pleasure interacting with you all. I will miss your wisdom and wit.

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  110. Miss you guys!! Hope all is well and blessed in your little corner. . . . .

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  111. I am wrapping up another school year, and getting more things prepared at home. The goats arrive next week after weening. That means milk fresh from the tap, so to speak. The garden, fruit trees and bushes, bees, and chickens are doing well. Next up is a greenhouse. My sense of urgency is getting greater. I still refer to your posts for information and encouragement. Thanks again. I hope you are well. Prayers for the upcoming elections. May God bless us all.

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  112. Miss you guys. I hope you post an update at some point. I really miss the pig stories - and your voices. Hope all is well with you!

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  113. I was hoping there was an update here from Frank and Fern! Sure hope they will give us one soon. Miss you posting!

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  114. I hope you are well and successful with your homestead. I made cheddar cheese using your recipe, and it was wonderful. I really enjoy the goats and all that they provide for my family. I consult your blog for much-needed information. Thanks for leaving it for us.

    I am following the crisis in Venezuela, and realize that we could easily experience that here. The urgency to prepare is even more extreme. I pray that we follow the Lord and His teachings. God bless.

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  115. I find myself wishing I could open your page and read your perspectives on recent world events.
    Be well and God Bless

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    1. You are not the only one wishing for a word from Frank and Fern. This 4th of July would be a great time to find out what has happened over the winter and first half of a very hot year. If you can spare a moment, please update us on your progress and expectations for the rest of this volatile political year. Anyway, God bless you for all the wonderful ideas you have shared with us.

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  116. Sure do miss you. Still checking for updates everyday.

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  117. So glad to know that there are others checking in here and posting a comment. Sending prayers your way that God is watching over you and yours. SJ in Vancouver BC

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  118. Still checking in! Miss you!

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  119. You both are missed so much!! Sure hope you come back and make a small post on how you are doing!!

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  120. Still checking in from time to time. You are missed. You inspired me to do so many things and we have now retired to our homestead fulltime. So many of my favorite bloggers have "retired" within the past year. Hope all is going well. hoosiergranny

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  121. Your blog updates are truly missed. Hope to hear from you sometime!

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  122. Even the Netherlands misses you two!!!!

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  123. Well, it's "Black Friday," and I did go shopping today. I went to the local gun store/range and ordered an AR 15 lower receiver. My son is going to build the firearm for me. This has been on my wish list, and I'm finally on the road to getting it.
    The goats are being bred. We're behind schedule, as the billy died. We're still hoping for kids this spring. This will be a first for us, and I can't wait!
    The chickens are doing great, and I now have three coops. The owls and hawks haven't been kind to some, but we've taken care of the problem.
    I hope you're doing well, and had a wonderful Thanksgiving. I miss reading your posts, especially those about the goats and greenhouse. A friend is almost finished with her greenhouse. That's still on my wish list. I really want a greenhouse/cellar combo. I just haven't quite figured out how to build it.
    My prayers are with us all. Just because the elections didn't go as poorly as they could have, we still need to stay busy. God bless you both.

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  124. I keep checking in and hoping for a word from you. I believe we have been given a reprieve from destruction since Trump won. I believe we had divine intervention. Christians were praying. Hoping our sins are forgiven and our land will heal if we continue to seek God.

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  125. Like others have mentioned, I too still drop in from time to time in hopes that you might have posted something.....maybe someday soon....

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  126. Still checking in every now and then. I'm glad that others are doing the same. I hope you are well and safe.
    Wishing you a very Blessed New Year. SJ in Vancouver BC

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  127. Just checking in. Any thoughts on Donald Trump? I think he may be able to buy our community a little time/breathing space, but will not be able to change the pain that's coming at some point? Thoughts?

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  128. Has anyone heard anything from Frank and Fern? Sure wish they would come and post an update for all of us. I think there are so many who would love to hear what they think about the election result, foreign news. What they think about the future. Please, please post!!

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  129. I would like to know how they have been doing. Did the greenhouse live up to their expectations. Have they completed their most urgent projects? Are they snowed in with the storm going across the US?

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  130. I hope all is ok, I thought someone said they heard Frank and Fern sold and moved on but I'm not sure. Thinking of them.

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  131. sold what? their homestead? Where did you hear this?

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  132. Oh my, I hope Frank and Fern or someone close to them will come and let us know how they are doing. Or will come on and verify or deny the above 2 posts.

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    1. I know that everyone, myself included, would love to hear from them. They are continuing to post comments from us, but they are no longer publishing to their blog. If they respond to one comment, they'll have others wanting them to respond too. It will be a never-ending cycle, and they'll be right back to blogging again. This is what they've decided not to do.

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  133. Hello!?!?!? Has anyone on here or on other blogs heard anything from Frank and Fern??

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  134. I'm sure they're fine. After all, they're looking at comments and posting them.

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  135. Just checking and hoping... wish you'd give us an update. Sure do miss you two.

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  136. Still working to Pass the General, Have volunteered as Aid Station reporter an its worthwhile as i need to change Freq for different Events

    Peace be With You

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  137. just had to pop in and say that we all still miss you guys. sending much love. xoxox

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  138. Still stopping by. Thought of you two the other night when I was putting up some yellow summer squash. SJ in Vancouver BC

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  139. Glad to see others are still dropping by too. Wish you would give us an update on your projects for the last 1 1/2 yrs. Maybe when the crops are in during cold weather you will update. At least that's what I'm hoping. BJ in GA

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  140. I REALLY ENJOYED FOLLOWING YOU. HOWEVER I GAVE UP THE INTERNET FOR ABOUT A YEAR AND IN THE COURSE OF THINGS I MISSED YOU'RE FAREWELL. I DECIDED TO GET BACK ON FOR THE INFO FROM FOLKS LIKE YOU. I PRAY YOU ARE DOING WELL AND ARE IN GOOD HEALTH. I GARNERED A LOT OF INFO FROM YOU'RE BLOG SO THANKS AGAIN.

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  141. I'm dropping by to see if anyone here has heard from Frank and Fern. I sure hope they are doing well, I hoped some of their friends would have news of them. The world continues to be crazy! Frank and Fern you are MISSED SO MUCH!! Please come back and visit with us!!!! God Bless You!

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  142. It's been awhile, I hope you're well.

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  143. I continue to use your archives as my "go-to library" when looking for info. Your articles are very well written and I appreciate that you are leaving the blog up so that we (all of us) may access it. Thank you! Stay well. ...from New Hampshire...

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  144. Happy Thanksgiving! I still check for new comments/posts most days. Thankful for all the information you shared with us for three years. You are appreciated and loved. BJ in GA

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  145. Thank you for keeping your blog up to help others learn from our experiences. I learned so much from coming here through the years. ..still do. I pray you are enjoying your life and accomplishing your goals and staying close to our faith. Anna

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  146. Merry Christmas! God Bless You!
    Coni

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  147. God bless you and have a merry Christmas. I hope you have got many important things done in the last two years. Looking to move out of Illinois and into the Ozarks this year. Praise Lord Jesus now and forever!
    Mike

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  148. Just came across your blog...two years too late. I plan to read it from beginning to end. Wishing you well in your endeavors to be self sufficient, and praying for us all...

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  149. It's been awhile, I hope 2018 find you both well & happy!

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  150. Close to the two year anniversary of you signing off and I still check in. I hope you are well. You're in my prayers.
    SJ in Vancouver BC

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  151. I thought I would let you know that I have finally mastered cheese making!

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  152. Just thinking about you during this Christmas season. Hope you are doing well. I miss you! God bless you both.

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