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Wednesday, September 30, 2015

Homestead Blog Hop #50

Homestead Blog Hop every Wednesday featuring real food recipes, natural health remedies, DIY, crafts, Gardening Tips, and more... 

Welcome to the Homestead Blog Hop!

This past week has been both extremely busy and trying. I have been battling  sinus troubles and am just now feeling better.

Now on to the hop... Homestead Blog Hop will take place every Wednesday and is for all things homesteading: real food recipes, farm animals, crafts, DIY, how-to's, gardening, anything from-scratch, natural home/health, self-sufficiency, self-reliance, natural remedies, essential oils, & more! Basically anything related to homesteading.

Meet and Follow Your Hosts!

Homestead Blog Hop Hosts - Link up every Wednesday - Simplelifemom.com Kelly - Simple Life Mom (Facebook/Pinterest/Twitter/G+) Lindsey - Chickadee Homestead (Facebook/Pinterest/Instagram) Jennifer - Homesteading on Grace (Facebook/Pinterest/G+) Amanda - Idlewild Alaska (Facebook/Pinterest) Gregg - The Rural Economist (Facebook/Pinterest/Twitter/G+/Instagram) Bonnie - The Not So Modern Housewife (Facebook/Pinterest/Twitter/G+)

Featured Posts from the Last Homestead Blog Hop

Each week we will choose three posts to feature.Each post will be shared on all social media platforms by all of the hosts! Here are the features from Last Week's Hop:
Homeastead Blog Hop Feature - Save Your Scraps. Make Apple Cider from Strangers and Pilgrims on Earth
3. Save Your Scraps. Make Apple Cider from Strangers and Pilgrims on Earth
Congrats! Feel free to grab the featured on button for your post.
Just right click and 'save image as...'
Homestead Blog Hop every Wednesday featuring real food recipes, natural health remedies, DIY, crafts, Gardening Tips, and more...
Guidelines for this Get-Together:
  1. Click on the “Add your Link” Button below and add a great image of your project or recipe. Make sure you link to the page of your family friendly post – not the main page of your blog!
  2. Try to visit at least a few other blogs at the party. Be sure to leave a comment to let them know you stopped by!
  3. Please link back to this post somehow (a text link is ok). This is one thing we look for when choosing who to feature. We will share on multiple social media if you are featured!
Let the Party Begin!


Monday, September 28, 2015

Episode 4 Getting Ready for Winter Part 2 On The Go



I am getting more comfortable recording the podcasts. I think you will find this one more interesting and me a lot more energetic. One thing that helps is this is a topic that I care a lot about.



Show Notes

Have a plan. The plan will be different for someone who works, shops, and lives within a 3 mile radius compared to someone like me who drives 26 miles each way to work and my plan will be different from someone who drives 45+ miles to work. Be realistic with your plan, if you are not in shape don't think you will be able to walk 20 miles in a day especially in a situation where travel will be difficult. 
You may need to find a place to stay if a sudden winter storm hits and you cannot get home. Even if all you have are the numbers to local hotels (if that is an option for you) you will still be ahead of most.

Have a change of clothes. A good heavy pair of thermal socks are a must have for me. I really like these  Carhartt Men's Artic Wool Heavy Boot Socks, Brown, X-Large .A good pair of either walking shoes or hiking boots/shoes. I suggest the hiking boots and ones that are waterproof are highest on the list, something like this   Timberland White Ledge Men's Waterproof Boot,Dark Brown,10 M US. A good heavy coat and even sweat shirt of thermal underwear are a good idea. This is even more important for those of you who work in an office and are expected to be in business attire at work. The last thing you want to do is have to walk home in loafers or heels.

Have water with you.  I harp on this all the time with people. Have water, have water, have water. I don't care if you have a plastic container or a stainless steel one, have water.

Have some food.  For what we are talking about today you do not have to have freeze dried meals or MRE (meals ready to eat for those of you who have never been around military folk) in your bag, but you do need food. We are not really even used to being hungry at all in the US and the same is true for most first world countries. Beef jerky, trail mix, granola, are all fine choices, but the important thing is that you have some sort of food in your bag. I don't care if they are Little Debbie snack cakes or Twinkies.

Have a way to start a fire. If you only live 3 miles from where you work and shop and never go anywhere else in the winter this one might not be that big a deal for you. For me it is very important. I suggest everyone have AT LEAST two ways to start a fire, you never know what you might run into. I like UCO Stormproof Match Kit with Waterproof Case, 25 Stormproof Matches and 3 Strikers - Orange as far as matches. I really like the little bic lighters that you can pick up at any convenience store and I personally carry 2 Pack Magnesium Fire Starter, this is not the same name brand I carry, I couldn't find it on Amazon.

Have a Mylar Blanket. Just do it. They are not expensive and have tons of uses. Emergency Mylar Blanket 52" x 84" - Pack of 12 Blankets

Have a way to improvise shelter. Even if you only have something like this Stansport Reinforced Brown Rip-Stop Tarp, 5 x 7-Feet, you will be able to improvise shelter.

There you have it. Those are the things I mentioned in this episode of the podcast. I would love to hear from you.

Bringing Rural Back

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You can like The Rural Economist on Facebook follow on The Rural Economist on Gplus. We now have a YouTube channel and we cover all sorts of things. Hop on over and check them out, oh and don't forget to subscribe. I have just joined Instagram if you would like you can follow us HERE. We will be sharing several things over the next year, I hope to see you there. 

Check out The Rural Economist on Pinterest

Affiliate Link Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. I may receive compensation for links, endorsements, testimonials, or recommendations for any products mentioned on this blog. If you see something you are interested in, check them out. Thanks for your consideration.


Saturday, September 26, 2015

Foraging: It's More Than Just Berries



There have always been groups of people that have been considered a little on the weird side. Homesteaders and preppers are on this list right along with goths and punks. It is strange to think about it, but to the society at large,  preppers are as far out on the fringe as any group can be. There is a group however that even the majority of preppers and homesteaders consider to be "out there". What group could be so strange that the people who are considered strange avoid them? Foragers. I know this isn't true of all, but if you talk to 100 people about foraging, 75 to 80 will look at you like you have grown another head. The ones that do not automatically think you are nuts usually think some type of berries like blackberries, blueberries, and the like. Once you tell them there is a lot more to it a large portion of these folks get the look. Some even find the topic interesting, but say they could never do that. I have friends that say I am the only one they know that can graze like a cow. They are exaggerating but I love foraging.

Like so many things, my love of foraging started with my grandfather. We would be out hunting or fishing or whatever and he would see a plant and would pick it and say "Here boy eat this." I would and then he would tell me about the plant. I honestly thought everyone had this kind of childhood for a while, but then I realized that my grandfather had given me something very special. He had given me a thirst for knowledge and a love for nature and the outdoors.

What is Foraging?

Forage is one of those words that can either be a noun or a verb.  Foraging can be a noun or an adjective. When I looked for the dictionary definition I was surprised by something that was clearly stated on the first site I went to. It clearly said that some English speaking people would know this word.

According to Dictionary.com


noun
 
1. food for horses or cattle; fodder; provender.
2. the seeking or obtaining of such food.
3. the act of searching for provisions of any kind.
4. a raid.
 
verb (used without object), foraged, foraging.
 
5. to wander or go in search of provisions.
6. to search about; seek; rummage; hunt:

He went foraging in the attic for old mementos.
7. to make a raid.
 
verb (used with object), foraged, foraging.
 
8. to collect forage from; strip of supplies; plunder:

to forage the countryside.
9. to supply with forage.
10. to obtain by foraging.

This definition almost makes it look like foraging is just for animals and thieves.  Another site was even less flattering. It included most of the above and the following.

Forage - raid, pillage, plunder,  loot, or scavenge.

Wow, I would have never thought of the word forage being used in that way. If the right person saw that and was offended they would have to take that down. 

A Rural Economist Definition

Forage - The art or skill of being able to find food and/or medicine where there appears to be none, using of the natural resources for provision.   

Now I will admit that I love foraging. I mean that. There are few things in the world as satisfying as seeing something growing in the wild and being able to use a resource that others think is useless. 

History of Foraging

 

There is really no way to adequately cover the history of foraging in anything less than a massive textbook.

Foraging has been an active part of the human condition for as long as there have been humans and it doesn't matter what your thoughts are on creation. If you are an evolutionist, foraging should be obvious. If you believe in a Divine Creation as written of in the Bible, then the Garden of Eden would have been foraging at its best. 

There are still tribes of people in this world that primarily support themselves through the acts of hunting/gathering. Even after what we would now consider agriculture started, people didn't abandon foraging.  It did shift a little, but not much. When a person was walking through a field or the woods and they found something that was edible, especially if it tasted good, they harvested it, no question. Many plants were harvested and dried because of their ability to make other things taste better. We now call those seasonings or herbs. 

There have always been at least one person in a group of any size that has specialized in medicinal herbs. In Native American cultures these were called Medicine Men or even Shaman. In the European culture these people were called either physicians or apothecaries. 

Foraging was not abandoned by the majority of people until the last couple of generations. 




How to Learn Foraging


Foraging is not one of those things that you want to learn by trial and error. There are some plants that taste bad that are edible, willow comes to mind because it is very bitter, and there are plants that I have been told actually taste pretty good that will make you very sick or even kill you. I have often wondered how someone figured out how to prepare American Poke weed. In my imagination I see a conversation going something like this.

Friend:"Joe are you okay?"

Joe:"Yeah, I'm fine, just got really sick after I ate that plant."

Friend:"Well don't eat it anymore."

Joe:"I wonder if it would be okay after I cook it?"

Friend:"Joe, are you serious?"

Joe:"Yup."

It had to be something along those lines because pokeweed leaves can make you very sick, but they were a Depression mainstay for many in the Southeastern United States. Not only do you have to cook it by par boiling, but it is suggested that you do so twice and dispose of the water each time. So how would someone who is interested in learning do so?

 Get a Good Book


A good field guide is worth its weight in gold when it comes to foraging. You can start with a general foraging book. These will give you a lot of plants, some of which will be in your area and some will not. Things to look for are good quality pictures and a listing of toxic look a likes. If a book lacks either, find another book.

 

 

Find a Mentor

 

Even though about 75% of the people you run into will think foraging is weird that means about 25% don't and at least of few of those will have knowledge you don't. Thus far I have managed to find someone in every community that has some knowledge about foraging. I know this sounds too easy and just as it is written it kinda is. When you find someone who knows a thing or two about foraging ask them who they learned from. Sometimes they will be able to refer you to a mentor, sometimes they will be like I am and will have learned some from an ancestor and have self taught the rest, or you may find they taught themselves with a book. Either way it is always easier to learn when you have someone with you who is more experienced. But there are some guidelines that you should consider when choosing a mentor.
  1. They should encourage you to bring your field guide with you.
  2. They should be willing to answer questions.
  3. They should eat everything they show you first.
  4. They should be confident outside.



Join a Foraging Group


Foraging is actually as one article put it "on the cutting edge of modern culinary culture" needless to say foraging is suddenly back in style. Foraging groups are popping up around the world. Larger cities will be more likely to have a foraging group. I have even heard that there is an active foraging group in New York city. I hope they don't get caught eating plants in Central Park.




There is a lot to be said for being a part of a learning group. Someone may think of a question that you didn't, but as soon as you hear it, you really want to know the answer. There is safety in groups and more eyes means more success.

Watch Videos on Wild Edible and Medicinal plants

Not to toot my own horn, but as of now I have 18 videos each of which cover an edible or medicinal plant and have several more in the works, and I am not the only one. You can check out and subscribe to my Youtube channel HERE.  There are dozens of people out there that will help you learn. I personally like learning from videos, they give me a better understanding of the surrounding areas, what to look for, and even the textures of a plant than any book really can.

The Best Way is a Mixture


For anyone and everyone starting out I always suggest getting a book that is based on your area. When you take this in conjunction with videos, and either a foraging group or a mentor, it will make things so much easier.

One Word of Warning

I have had people ask where they could take a couple day course to become proficient at foraging and the answer is nowhere. If you find an instructor that tells you, you can effectively learn to forage in just a couple of days they are just out for your money and if you take their advice and actively start foraging you will get very sick or worse.

So get a friend and buy a book, watch some videos, find a mentor, or a combination and get out there and learn about all of the wonderful things that God has provided for us in nature.

Bringing Rural Back

Subscribe to our mailing list

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You can like The Rural Economist on Facebook follow on The Rural Economist on Gplus. We now have a YouTube channel and we cover all sorts of things. Hop on over and check them out, oh and don't forget to subscribe. I have just joined Instagram if you would like you can follow us HERE. We will be sharing several things over the next year, I hope to see you there. 

Check out The Rural Economist on Pinterest

Affiliate Link Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. I may receive compensation for links, endorsements, testimonials, or recommendations for any products mentioned on this blog. If you see something you are interested in, check them out. Thanks for your consideration.

Wednesday, September 23, 2015

Homestead Blog Hop #49

Homestead Blog Hop every Wednesday featuring real food recipes, natural health remedies, DIY, crafts, Gardening Tips, and more... 

Welcome to the Homestead Blog Hop!

There are several things that are a constant on every homestead no matter what size. One of these constants is a strong work ethic. Each and everyone of us strive to find a better way of doing all the things we have to get done. We don't necessarily  want the quickest way, but the best way or the way that fits us best. Not taking the easy way out and not buying into what society is selling has always been a cornerstone of all those who homestead. 

There are many that look at our way of life and think that it is bondage. We have critters to feed, plants to tend, rows to weed, and countless other duties some of which will undoubtedly have to be put off until tomorrow. There is a freedom of mind and of spirit that I find when I plant my garden or when I harvest an animal. I believe an organic based homestead is close to being a good steward of God's creation. 

I cannot wait to read your posts.

Now on to the hop... Homestead Blog Hop will take place every Wednesday and is for all things homesteading: real food recipes, farm animals, crafts, DIY, how-to's, gardening, anything from-scratch, natural home/health, self-sufficiency, self-reliance, natural remedies, essential oils, & more! Basically anything related to homesteading.

Meet and Follow Your Hosts!

Homestead Blog Hop Hosts Kelly - Simple Life Mom (Facebook/Pinterest/Twitter/G+) Lindsey - Chickadee Homestead (Facebook/Pinterest/Instagram) Jennifer - Homesteading on Grace (Facebook/Pinterest/G+) Amanda - Idlewild Alaska (Facebook/Pinterest) Gregg - The Rural Economist (Facebook/Pinterest/Twitter/G+/Instagram) Bonnie - The Not So Modern Housewife (Facebook/Pinterest/Twitter/G+)

Featured Posts from the Last Homestead Blog Hop

Each week we will choose three posts to feature.Each post will be shared on all social media platforms by all of the hosts! Here are the features from Last Week's Hop:
featured on the Homestead Blog Hop - Mini Apple Pies from 4DAcres 
1. Homemade Mini Apple Pies From Homesteading on 4 D Acres
Featured on the Homestead Blog Hop -How to Buy Firewood Wisely from Mom Prepares 
2. How to Wisely Buy Firewood from Mom Prepares
Featured on the Homestead Blog Hop -10-Life-Lessons-I-learned-on-the-Homestead 
3. 10 Life Lessons I Learned on the Homestead from Little Blog on the Homestead
Congrats! Feel free to grab the featured on button for your post.
Just right click and 'save image as...'
Homestead Blog Hop every Wednesday featuring real food recipes, natural health remedies, DIY, crafts, Gardening Tips, and more...
Guidelines for this Get-Together:
  1. Click on the “Add your Link” Button below and add a great image of your project or recipe. Make sure you link to the page of your family friendly post – not the main page of your blog!
  2. Try to visit at least a few other blogs at the party. Be sure to leave a comment to let them know you stopped by!
  3. Please link back to this post somehow (a text link is ok). This is one thing we look for when choosing who to feature. We will share on multiple social media if you are featured!
Let the Party Begin!








Monday, September 21, 2015

Episode 3 Getting Ready for Winter Part 1 Your Home






In this episode we talk about getting your home ready for winter. We are just now experiencing our first cooler nights so there is still time to get ready. I hope you enjoy part 1 of Getting Ready for Winter.


Show Notes

In this episode we talk about performing a poor man's energy audit using a candle. This will tell you whether or not doors or windows are allowing cold air in and warm air out.
Products I mentioned in this episode

 

There are various thicknesses of the weather stripping that can be used to help prevent heat loss. These products may be available at your local hardware store.
The heater and inverter  I mentioned is below.



I hope you are enjoying the podcasts and I would love to hear from you in the comments. Let me know if there is anything you would like for us to cover.

Step by Step We are Bringing Rural Back

Subscribe to our mailing list

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You can like The Rural Economist on Facebook follow on The Rural Economist on Gplus. We now have a YouTube channel and we cover all sorts of things. Hop on over and check them out, oh and don't forget to subscribe. I have just joined Instagram if you would like you can follow us HERE. We will be sharing several things over the next year, I hope to see you there. 

Check out The Rural Economist on Pinterest

Affiliate Link Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. I may receive compensation for links, endorsements, testimonials, or recommendations for any products mentioned on this blog. If you see something you are interested in, check them out. Thanks for your consideration.


Saturday, September 19, 2015

Post Collapse: Chaos or Martial Law?



I had a very interesting conversation the other day, a man who was new to preparedness was convinced that if/when a traumatic event were to occur that the world would "descend" into anarchy. The anachronism that is thrown around in prepping circles is WROL (without rule of law). This man was convinced that there would be roving bands of bandits and that every person or family will have to look out for themselves. I understand this idea, after all this is what most of the post apocalyptic movies show, but there is another more likely option. 

EROL or extreme rule of law. This is where the government rises to the point of oppressing not only the criminal element but also law abiding citizens. We are going to look at both of these possibilities and plausible responses to each.

Why Would Chaos or Martial Law Occur?


The first question that comes to many people's minds is why would either one of these possibilities occur. The most interesting thing is both possibilities are logical, to a point. Both have good points and bad points. Yes both scenarios have benefits and problems.

WROL aka Chaos


Why would without rule of law happen? WROL is most likely to occur when an event is sudden and unexpected or violence overrides the military and law enforcement capabilities.

An event doesn't have to be sudden to create a WROL situation.  A massive storm or a volcano eruption, economic collapse, or a national grid failure. Anything that overloads governments ability to respond. When a police officer looks at a situation and decides that it is more important for them to be at home protecting their own family than being out trying to protect everyone else is when the situation is ripe for Chaos.

EROL aka Martial Law


Extreme rule of law is where the government becomes oppressive in the name of peace and security. Extreme rule of law is just martial law. Why would EROL occur? Government's primary objective is consistency of power. If a government sees its power threatened, it will respond with strict laws and if necessary violence.

If a catastrophic event is capable of being predicted, plans will be in place. We are already seeing people who want to take away other people's right so they can feel safer. In a disaster event this desire will be intensified. In the right situation people will scream for martial law. We are already seeing the growth of the police state in ways both large and small. Some states have imposed mandatory bag searches at movie theaters. This doesn't stop someone from shooting up the place, but it does stop you from bringing your own snacks, score movie theater $, police state 1, you 0. 

What to do and how to act in WROL total chaos?


In a WROL situation there are a lot of people who believe it will be every man for himself. There will be some of that, but unless you are far out in the sticks, that will be the perfect way to get yourself killed. The idea of a lone wolf is foreign to nature. A lone wolf is a dead wolf.
Binding together in small groups, bands, or communities would be a natural reaction. Human predators will be dealt with fairly quickly, especially if they are just a lone individual. Will there be roaming gangs? Maybe. I say maybe because everyone will be dealing with the same lack of resources. Gangs require a lot more resources than a small tight knot community. Gangs are like locusts. They only devour what is there then have to move on, they produce nothing. For most of us lone wolfing it or being part of a roaming gangs is out of the question. So what are we supposed to do?

MAGs

What is a MAG? A MAG is a mutual assistance group. There doesn't have to be a rigid structure, it can just be a group of people who agree to come to the aid of anyone who is in the group. A group of this type can be very loosely organized, all you really need is a handshake and a phone number. If you start working on this now you will quickly learn who you can count on and who is a liability. The best thing about a MAG is there doesn't have to be a disaster for them to be beneficial. Have a flat tire? Break down? Need a ride? Need help hauling hay? Need to borrow a trailer? You name it. No problem call a member of the group. Here is the catch though, this help is not one direction, if you receive help you must give help in return. These can be very successful and can lead to some strong friendships.

A Prepping Group

A prepping group should be a lot more organized than a MAG. I mean a lot more. A well organized prepper group should have a mission statement as well as a good set of bylaws. This will help every member understand how things will operate and keep one person from becoming a dictator. I have heard of this happening far too often. 

A Community


Here is the best part about a community, you are already part of one. Attending local sporting events, church or civic organizations or simply just walking in the park everyday helps neighbors get familiar with you and your family. A community is a hard thing to judge about how it would react in a truly dire situation. Many come together and work for the good of each citizen and many descend into chaos. We can see examples of both just by looking around. Everyone would like to believe that their community would rally around each other, but the truth is there is no way to know for certain. Being active in your community will help ensure that if the worst happens there will be people you can count on.



How will people act in EROL martial law?

Martial law affects different people in different ways and as I have already stated there are situations where short term martial law is understandable.  In an area where riots have broken out a certain amount of militarization may be desirable. Curfews can radically reduce violence and as long as there is not confiscation of personal property, it can be tolerated by most. But when instituted in an oppressive way, martial law can turn ordinary freedom loving people into revolutionaries.

As sad as it makes me to have to admit this there are people that would be happy if martial law were declared as long as it was their side that did so. Martial law is serious business and in my mind is equal to tyranny. I know that there are a few situations that martial law is helpful, but these are very short term. In the right situation all but the most liberty minded will scream for martial law. Sad but true. How will people react if long term martial law is initiated? Let's take a look.

Open Warfare

There are quite a few people that imagine if tyranny strikes the US that there will be an epic battle on a field somewhere and even if the direction of the nation is not determined on that field, those that die there will be the catalyst  for a true revolution that will cause the country to turn into the place they wish it was whether full blown communism or throwing the country back to what was planned by the Constitution. I hope that if something like this is brewing that the majority of the soldiers will actually think about the oath they took to defend the Constitution against all enemies both foreign and domestic and can think clearly enough to be able to tell which side they should be fighting on, but most likely it will be a slaughter of "rebels" and the news media will praise the governments quick reaction the the violent insurgents. I just don't see it happening.

Guerrilla Warfare

There are many that realize in most situations open warfare means certain dead and villianization by the ruling power structure. There is a book called On Guerrilla Warfare that is a very interesting historical read. It was written by Mao Zedong, not a good guy in my opinion, but the book is fascinating. Another historical figure that utilized guerrilla warfare and would be more recognizable by our society is Robin Hood. If he were alive today (yes I know there is no proof that he actually existed), he would be considered a terrorist.

Terrorism and guerrilla warfare are vastly different. A terrorist targets non combatants. Guerrilla warfare is a smaller military force working in covert operations in an attempt to overcome superior military power.

Become a Grey Man 

Nope this is not sexist, anyone can be a grey man. A grey man is a person who goes unnoticed. Think about it. In a large crowd there are people that you cannot help but notice. They could be very tall, short, small, big, or even loud. My wife has a very distinct laugh. I could pick her out blindfolded and in a group of thousands just by her laugh. But being a grey man is about so much more than just appearance, not only does this individual blend in they leave no impression whatsoever. For a really deep post on How to become the Grey Man check this post out.

Acceptance

There are a lot of people who will accept anything a government will do to them as long as they are doing it to everyone else. The thought process is "this must be needed or they wouldn't be doing it". There are some that will actually take comfort in oppressive controls, that is until it affects them in some way that they don't appreciate.

Informant


I know a few of these people and I purposely keep them at arms length. These are people that will happily turn on anyone for a perceived favor or reward. People like this will snitch on a neighbor for an increase in food rations.

Evacuation


The prepper community calls this bugging out. It is just natural that security will be highest where population is the highest. Big cities would be the last place I would want to be during an EROL situation. In the cities there is limited resources, these resources will be claimed by the power structure for "equitable" redistribution. Of course the leaders and the military forces will get first dibs on everything.

The important thing to remember is that in both situations there will be people who want what you have. Thinking ahead of time will help you be more prepared. I do want to point out that being the Grey Man can work in both situations. I hope we never have to deal with either, but odds are some of us will have to deal with at least one of these situations.

Bringing Rural Back

Subscribe to our mailing list

* indicates required


You can like The Rural Economist on Facebook follow on The Rural Economist on Gplus. We now have a YouTube channel and we cover all sorts of things. Hop on over and check them out, oh and don't forget to subscribe. I have just joined Instagram if you would like you can follow us HERE. We will be sharing several things over the next year, I hope to see you there. 

Check out The Rural Economist on Pinterest

Affiliate Link Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. I may receive compensation for links, endorsements, testimonials, or recommendations for any products mentioned on this blog. If you see something you are interested in, check them out. Thanks for your consideration.







Wednesday, September 16, 2015

Homestead Blog Hop #48

Homestead Blog Hop every Wednesday featuring real food recipes, natural health remedies, DIY, crafts, Gardening Tips, and more...

 


The temperatures are finally cooling down and the days are noticeably shorter, the summer garden has slowed and will soon be gone. hunting season has begun. Dove, early goose, squirrel, and rabbit seasons are open here and I still haven't been able to get out there, but I will soon. 

As the duties around the homestead start to wain we begin to plan for the next year, do maintenance on our equipment, and think of the time of year when for us there is a little bit of a break in the pace. As we look forward to the full colors of fall and the festivities of winter we can take a breath. So take a moment, sit back with your cup of coffee or your glass of sweet tea and spend some time with us.

Welcome to the Homestead Blog Hop!

Now on to the hop... Homestead Blog Hop will take place every Wednesday and is for all things homesteading: real food recipes, farm animals, crafts, DIY, how-to's, gardening, anything from-scratch, natural home/health, self-sufficiency, self-reliance, natural remedies, essential oils, & more! Basically anything related to homesteading.

Meet and Follow Your Hosts!

Kelly - Simple Life Mom (Facebook/Pinterest/Twitter/G+) Jennifer - Homesteading on Grace (Facebook/Pinterest/G+) Amanda - Idlewild Alaska (Facebook/Pinterest) Lindsey - Chickadee Homestead (Facebook/Pinterest/Instagram) Bonnie - The Not So Modern Housewife (Facebook/Pinterest/Twitter/G+) Gregg - The Rural Economist (Facebook/Pinterest/Twitter/G+/Instagram)

Featured Posts from the Last Homestead Blog Hop

Each week we will choose three posts to feature.Each post will be shared on all social media platforms by all of the hosts! Here are the features from Last Week's Hop:
Featured on the Hoemstead Blog Hop - No Sew Lavender Drawer Sachets from Strangers and Pilgrims on Earth
1. No Sew Lavender Sachets From Strangers and Pilgrims on Earth
Featured on the Homestead Blog Hop - How-to-Make-Homemade-Chocolate-Purposefully-Simple
2. How to Make Homemade Chocolate from Purposefully Simple
Featured on the Homestead Blog Hop - Finally a Clothesline
3. Finally a Clothesline from The Lewis Family Farm
Congrats! Feel free to grab the featured on button for your post.
Just right click and 'save image as...'
Homestead Blog Hop every Wednesday featuring real food recipes, natural health remedies, DIY, crafts, Gardening Tips, and more...
Guidelines for this Get-Together:
  1. Click on the “Add your Link” Button below and add a great image of your project or recipe. Make sure you link to the page of your family friendly post – not the main page of your blog!
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Monday, September 14, 2015

Bringing Rural Back Podcast Episode #2 Why Choose the Homestead Life?




Hello everyone and welcome to Episode 2 of the Bringing Rural Back Podcast. I cannot tell you how excited I am to be able to have the time and energy to launch this new adventure. At this time the podcasts are not available on iTunes, but I will be working on that in the next couple of weeks.

Show Notes

We talk about two different "Back to the Land" movements in history and we compare these movements to what I believe is a cultural shift that we are seeing now.

We also talk about health and stability concerns with our current food system and how living a homestead lifestyle grants people more freedom from a consumer based system that is seen by an increasing number of people as completely unsustainable and a beast that devours most that serves it.

This is our first full length podcast so give us about a half hour, enjoy a glass of tea or just roll the window down a bit and feel the fresh air and spend a little time with us.

We would love to have you leave us a comment and tell us what you think or even give us a suggestion on things you think we should cover. We look forward to spending more time with you.

Thanks



Step by Step We are Bringing Rural Back

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Saturday, September 12, 2015

Facing a Personal Weakness



I have a confession to make. I am one of those guys who believe there is nothing I can't do. So far I have managed to power through a lot of situations that seemed insurmountable. I have said so many times that sometimes you have to Conan the Barbarian through a problem. If I couldn't Conan through, I would then stop and think my way through the issue. Raw power and determination were always the first choice.

The History


I know there comes a time for everyone when they have to face having to slow down at least some. I am having to face that a lot sooner than I had hoped. Several years ago I had a motorcycle accident and broke my ankle in five places. The accident happened on a Thursday. When I woke up Friday morning the doctor came in to check on me. My first question was, "When am I getting out of the hospital?". He asked me why. I told him that college started Monday and that I would be in class. I was in class that Monday, but a few weeks later I had to go back in for more surgery. Some of my skin had died and the doctor feared infection. 

During this my third surgery, the doctor had to cut out all of the dead flesh, which of course left a hole in my ankle. They then cut a piece of meat off of the top of my foot, rolled it up and stuck it in the hole. Then they took a skin graft from my thigh and covered where they took the meat. As I recall, I was in the hospital for 10 days.

Here is where they cut the meat off the top of my foot. This is several years later.
Here is where they had to fill the hole. You can still tell that it was fairly traumatic, even after all of these years.

Major difference in ankle size.


At this point I would be remiss if I didn't give a shout out to my instructors. They were great. A laptop was brought to me and my instructors took turns bringing me my assignments. Through all of this mess, I didn't fall behind on my school work, thanks to my teachers going the extra mile for me. I spent a month in a wheelchair, another month on crutches, then an additional month in a walking boot. 

At every step of the way I have refused to accept limitations. My doctor told me I would never run again. For six years I proved him wrong. He said my mobility would decrease. Nope. He expected me to gain a lot of weight. Nope. Basically, he thought I would give up. I am sure that is something he has seen far too often. He has taken to calling me Wild Man and has told me numerous times how impressed and surprised he has been by my determination and longevity. 

My doctor has told me that my ankle would continue to degenerate. This one he is spot on. I can no longer run, but for the most part I can do anything else. My average pain level increases each year. Winter, heavy activity, and changes in barometric pressure cause increased pain and swelling.
Due to a reduction of flexibility in that ankle, one of my calf muscles is a good bit smaller than the other. My wife says that no one notices but me. 

Steep inclines, ladders, and climbing have become much more difficult. I have also experienced some nerve damage in that foot so I have to be extra careful.

The Update


After a very difficult week, the pain in that foot went from bearable to interfering with my everyday life. I finally went to the doctor again. Now, I feel I must tell you I am probably not the best patient. I don't like restrictions, I don't like being told I can't do something. I also am not a fan of most of the prescription pain killers. I am sure my doctor has been frustrated with me more than a few times. But he has learned the way I am over the years. 

This time was bad enough that we agreed on a cortisone shot in my ankle. This was the first one of these I have ever had. People have told me horror stories about these injections. Some have even said the pain of the shot was worse than what they were trying to fix. This was not the case for me. The most uncomfortable part was when they were pushing the medicine into the joint. I could feel the joint being forced apart. My ankle felt better instantly, but the doctor told me that was probably the local anesthetic and that it would wear off later that day and the cortisone would take up to two days to completely take effect. So far the injection has helped some, but it is in no way a miracle help.

The Prognosis 


At every step of the way my doctor has tried to be honest with me, even when I was determined to defy logic. He has told me since the very beginning that I would eventually have to have a permanent fix for my ankle.  About four years ago, during another difficult period with my ankle, my doctor referred me to a specialist to learn if ankle replacement might be an option for me. I was actually a little excited about the possibility of getting full range of motion back.

The specialist looked at my x rays and looked at me and said that I was too young and too active for all current technology. He said that I would wear an ankle replacement out in as little as six years and I would have to have it done again. I will have to tell you this was more than a little disheartening.

With this information in hand I had come to the realization that I only have two options for me in the future when it comes to my ankle. An ankle fusion or an amputation. Yup, that is all I have left.



The Options

Amputation

Now, I know there are a lot of people who are astounded that I would even consider this option and there are even more that might question whether or not a doctor would perform this procedure. After all, right after my wreck the doctors did everything they could to save this foot. When I was in the emergency room my foot was at a 90 degree angle of where it should have been. My bones were sticking out of my skin. The circulation to my foot was jeopardized. The doctor (same guy) told me if they set the foot right then, there was a good chance of infection, if they waited and made sure that everything was cleaned well with the compound fracture I might lose my foot. I told them to save the foot.

I have talked to my doctor about amputation. He told me that he understood my thoughts about doing so and that he would refer me to someone who would do that if that was my choice, but that he wanted me to have all of the information first before making that decision.

I find it interesting that prosthetics technology has out paced joint replacement, interesting but not surprising. Prosthetics technology always advances in conjunction with a military conflict. I know that sounds bad and please believe me when I say I support our men and women in uniform. But military conflicts cause people to be injured, injured people are opportunities for organizations to push the edge and create a name for themselves. These companies tend to do a really good job for soldiers and young athletes, but not too well for everyone else or at least this is the opinion of my doctor.

Benefits of amputation are no more ankle pain and once I learn how to use a properly fitted prosthetic, there will be little to no mobility loss. I have had medical professionals encourage me to take this route.

Drawbacks of amputation are the time it takes to learn to use a new limb, working with a company to make sure the prosthetic is properly fitted, and phantom pain.


Phantom pain is pain that feels like it originates from a part of the body that is no longer there. At one time doctors believed that these pains were psychological, but have since discovered that these pains are a result of the brain and spinal cord trying to communicate with nerves that are no longer there. These pains can be quite intense.

Ankle Fusion


The technical term for this is ankle arthrodesis. The goal of this procedure to to stop joint pain caused by arthritis. There are a couple different ways this can be done. One is a full ankle fusion. This requires the installing of screws and a metal plate. This stops all movement from the ankle down with the exception of the toes.

Shell Shock Serenade
Full ankle fusion


The others are all variations of a partial ankle fusion. The extent of the damage determines which procedure is required. This can be done with screws alone or may also require a metal plate. The one my doctor is leaning toward would require three screws. This stops all movement in the affected joint and allows for the body to build bone around the screws. This basically allows the bone to grow together.

Delayed consolidation 6 months after ankle arthrodesis. Using 6,5 mm ...
Partial Fusion and the one my doctor is wanting to do on me.
 The fusion my doctor wants to perform on me is very similar to the one above. I would still have flexion in my lower ankle and in my foot. Basically the part of the ankle that does some of the side to side would still be able to function, but very little of the up and down would be preserved. The partial is preferable to the full fusion just due to mobility. I will still have to learn how to walk with the new limitations, but it will not be as dramatic as an amputation or a full fusion.

How does this stop the pain?


In my situation, my ankle joint was so badly injured that the cartilage that used to cushion the jar of each step has gone bye bye. Currently every time I take a step, I have bone scraping on bone. A fusion stops this scraping, plain and simple.


Current Maintenance


I have already told you that I have refuse narcotic painkillers on a regular basis. I have seen too many people get hooked on that stuff and they cannot come to terms with their addiction because after all it was "prescribed by their doctor". To be honest I am not a fan of pills of any type. For the most part my maintenance is simply a brace or a work boot. These restrict movement of the joint and thus slow down the deterioration. Though interestingly enough the brace seems to increase pain and the doctor doesn't understand why.

Most of the time as far as pain management goes, I use either herbal remedies or over the counter stuff. Chondroitin and Glucosamine have been proven to reduce arthritis pain even though they aren't sure how or why. Its a pill and I have had to force myself to take them in the past. The brace I use is an ASO stabilizing brace in a size medium. Willow tea can help a bunch as well.  Willow tea has a compound in it that our bodies turn into the original aspirin. Be aware willow tea can cause stomach upset so take with a little food. If things turn bad quickly I am not above taking some aspirin or ibuprofen, I do not like acetaminophen


The Timeline

When I first had the wreck, my doctor told me we would probably have to look at a more permanent solution, either fusion or ankle replacement, by the time I turned 55. This was before he found out how active and stubborn I am. By last year ankle replacement was no longer an option and the time frame was reduced to hopefully when I turned 50. This year the timeline has been reduced even further to 47 or 48. So I guess you could say my unwillingness to quit has sped up the process of having to do something different, but to that I would ask, would you really be willing to sacrifice enjoying your life in order to prolong inactivity? Not me. I am going to go until I cannot go anymore then go another mile or two.

I have known people my whole life that talked about living with pain everyday. I never could comprehend what they were talking about. Even though I do have physical pain everyday now I still cannot understand the hopelessness that many of these people portrayed everyday. I do not think about the pain unless it gets to the point that I cannot ignore it. Even when that occurs I either power through or find a way around. It is challenging to have physical limitations that your mind are unwilling to accept, but I would rather have to deal with that problem than to have my mind accept limitations that are really beyond what they should be in an attempt to avoid pain.

Please do not think I am diminishing anyone's struggles, I know there are people who hurt much more than I do and still work their way through, I also know that there are those who do not hurt near as bad as I do that have given up. A strength of spirit can overcome a weakness of body.

Bringing Rural Back



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You can like The Rural Economist on Facebook follow on The Rural Economist on Gplus. We now have a YouTube channel and we cover all sorts of things. Hop on over and check them out, oh and don't forget to subscribe. I have just joined Instagram if you would like you can follow us HERE. We will be sharing several things over the next year, I hope to see you there. 

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Affiliate Link Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. I may receive compensation for links, endorsements, testimonials, or recommendations for any products mentioned on this blog. If you see something you are interested in, check them out. Thanks for your consideration.