Preparedness – Page 3 – The Laughing Wolf

Nasty Winter Ahead?

Looking around, my back is getting a nasty itchy feeling about this coming winter. I fear it is going to be a nasty one, on more than one level.

I’m trying to set some preparations for the fact that I’m worried it may be a very cold and snowy/icy winter. There are some signs and portents that it may be so. As for the weather guessers (my name for forecasters), they seem to have a spread that would make Vegas proud. That said, number of interesting people are in the nasty winter camp.

I really want to get at least one more Mr. Buddy emergency heaters, and stock up on propane. Between camp stoves and heaters, I will be able to stay warm and cook — and people who’ve been there know what a difference a hot meal can make. I’m pretty well set on blankets and such, and am continuing to experiment with solar power additions to the power and lighting game. The more options you have for power and light, the better.

I’m even trying to get the landlord to invest in some power backups and a small generator, but not sure I’m going to have any luck. Did add some options to my Amazon wish list in that regards.

Snow, ice, and storms can bring down power lines in a hurry. It’s not too late to do trimming around power lines and such to keep ice from bringing them down. I’m also encouraging that around here.

Thing is, I’ve got an itchy feeling about why this could be a nasty winter on another level. Frankly, I’m amazed that the anger I’ve been talking about hasn’t broken yet. Part of it is the “safety valve” that is provided by naming, shaming, and inflicting consequence culture (as opposed to cancel culture) on those saying and doing the worst of things. Part seems to be something else that I can’t quite put my finger on. But, they are holding for now.

How long they can hold is the interesting question. Ian makes some good points, and I would add that if the “ghouls” are not brought to heel, there’s a good chance the safety valve may be clogged. Also consider this food for thought from The Scuttlebutt. And in regards part of it, I do sometimes use the word “Normies” (usually in quotes) but with affection and a small amount of envy as there are days I wish I was one of them as I live here in flyover country.

All it will take to make this a truly nasty winter is one idiot, one person having a bad day when they respond to said idiot. We do not want to see here what many have seen elsewhere when civil war breaks out. Riding the ragged edge short of that won’t be nice or pleasant, but it will do far less damage. It may set some things back a year or two, but a civil war will change the country and potentially set back a great future (interplanetary species, advanced medical and health, and other things that are about to happen/break loose) by a century or three. Humanity is likely to survive, but our current level of civilization is not. So, let’s avoid going there if we can.

Let’s get through the winter and hope that it is not cold and nasty on multiple levels. Me, I’ve got things I want to do/am planning to do next Spring. Things that bring growth on many levels, and not necessarily just for me.

Fixing the problems that face us will not be easy or fun. Nor will it be easy to keep them short of that ragged edge. It is, however, the best shot for humanity and our future. Pray.

As always, be prepared. Keep your family and friends close, and your things where you can find them in the dark.

Getting hit by lightning is not fun! If you would like to help me in my recovery efforts, feel free to hit the fundraiser at A New Life on GiveSendGo, use the options in the Tip Jar in the upper right, or drop me a line to discuss other methods. If you want to know some of what it is going for, read here. There is also the Amazon Wish List in the Bard’s Jar. It is thanks to your gifts and prayers that I am still going. Thank you.

Charlotte

First up, please help stop the stupidity. There are those trying their best to start a race war. They are stupid. Don’t be stupid. I suspect a number of them are bots, and I’m wondering how many of those bots are run from China (and Pakistan)? Point, laugh, and short-circuit as much of that as you can please.

One of the more horrifying things to me was that, as someone who regularly uses public transport, I had a good idea that something was going to happen even before Iryna Zarutska sat down. Something about him was setting off alarms from the start, and there are reasons I am not on my phone a lot while riding public transport. Between bad suspension and the need to keep my head on a swivel (esp. on certain lines) it’s just not a good idea.

I also don’t blame her for not being more aware. In Eastern Europe, Ukraine, and Russia, the trains and such are still largely safe. There is security. It’s a different experience. It used to be that way in Western Europe, but with all the immigration that’s no longer true. Used to be in the Paris subway the worse you had to worry about were pick-pockets. Sigh.

Here, public transport is not clean, fun, or safe and that seems deliberate. Busses and even subways/light rail are often unofficially used to house and move the mentally ill/homeless, particularly in winter or other bad weather. You also run into people who feel very privileged because of their victim status, and are not shy about deserving to ride for free, special stops, etc. Some in that class have been told for years that whites are the enemy who has always abused them. Which means you run into some very nasty racism, such as the elderly black lady who tried to spit at me simply because I was white and on “her” bus. You do meet some nice people on occasion, but…

She was lied to on many fronts, and she paid for it with her life. The look of fear and shock on her face will stay with me for the rest of my life. Fact is, she was already dead at that point, she simply didn’t know it. Those blows probably took out one or both carotids and the jugular. Any chance she had was lost when it took some 90 seconds to come to her aid — none of those around her did a thing for her. Not allowed to say some of the words I want to say; but, I also remind myself there wasn’t a lot that could be done absent clotting/pressure bandages and a surgeon.

I’m also going to ask you not only to pray for her soul; but, to pray for the man who did come to her aid from elsewhere, and the lady who joined him. Dollars to donuts he (and maybe her) is playing the “what if” game right now: what if I had moved faster, what if I had done things differently, what if… It’s a thing, and it haunts more than one combat medic I’ve known and it eats at a lot of first responders. I hope they both are smart enough to get some help, or find some people who’ve been there and done that to help them through the aftermath.

For the thug and those who sat there and did nothing, not even ask or check to see if they could help her, I’m asking the Lord to illumine them. To open their eyes and minds. May justice be done.

Your safety is your responsibility. It can’t be delegated, it can’t be hired out, and it can’t be ignored. You have to be paying attention and you have to be prepared. Over the years, I’ve been able to de-escalate a few situations; and, to avoid even that by being aware and avoiding situations. It can be as simple as taking the next bus, or going with an alternate route or plan.

Thing is, be aware. Keep your head on a swivel, have a plan, have backup plans, and know what you can, should, or will do. If turning and walking away works, do it; but, if it drops in the pot aggressive and forceful action quite often causes the other party to break off and run. Stealing from Instapundit this morning, here’s a post on just that. Ambush close: turn in, engage, destroy. Sarah A. Hoyt has a good post on the lies we tell our children, lies that get them killed. Finally, from The Lawdog Files comes the truth in that everyone is a lesson.

There are a lot of good things happening in America, but we are not out of the woods yet. This is a reminder that local elections matter. Vote for your health and safety, and that of those you love. Hold your local government, prosecutors, judges, etc. accountable. It’s not just in Charlotte that they have blood on their hands.

Teach your children well. If you don’t teach them, and more importantly show them in everyday life by your actions, they don’t have a chance.

Keep your friends and family close, and your things where you can find them in the dark. And, as you see the photos and videos, go give your kids an extra hug.

Things That Make You Wonder, Part???

Italian police thwart a terror attack (guess who) which was set to use a machine gun on thousands of Christians packed into a relatively small area for a religious festival. French police thwart a terror attack (again, guess) that was going to use explosives against a school or police station. There is some possible chatter that other such ‘thwartings’ have taken place and that LE here in the U.S. is prepping for unnamed events.

I inclined to think those ‘thwartings’ may well have happened, and if anyone has heard of such elsewhere, please sound off in the comments. Not every country announces such openly after all, even allegedly free ones. For example, does anyone honestly think the government of England would willingly announce such, or that the groveling hacks of the British press would report it if they did? Then again, there are other countries that don’t go public just because they want certain organizations to wonder what did happen to their people…

Then, throw in the narco boat taken out on its way here. Why did it have 11 on board, when normal crew is 2-3 max? Why those particular people? Who were they/what were they? Very interesting given that there are already thousands of potential terrorists here thanks to the Biden Regency. Suspecting that there is much more to this story.

If not already, get your heads on swivels and ears open. 9/11 is coming up and you know how the Islamics love their symbolism. To borrow from Ian: Once is happenstance; twice is coincidence; and, three times means there is a pattern we need to discern as fast as possible.

And, yes, I do think this is tied into my earlier post. Again, if you know of a ‘thwarting’ or similar event, sing out. Something is starting to smell, and I don’t think it’s breakfast.

Be prepared. Keep your friends and family close, and your things where you can find them in the dark.

Preparedness Pays: Advanced Directives

This is not your typical preparedness post, but I will simply note that having advanced directives and a will saves a lot of time, money, and even heartache. Keep in mind that the emergency or disaster could include your health and safety, or that of a family member.

Right now, I’m in the process of arranging a new, local, power of attorney for healthcare. I’m also going to need to find a new executor for my will, but for some odd reason the last four years have me focusing on healthcare first. Can’t understand why.

Advanced directives let people know what you, and don’t, want done in the case of injury from an accident or other emergency. Having others who can speak and decide for you is essential, as laws vary and even if you have written instructions in your wallet (or otherwise on you at all times), first responders, hospitals, and other care facilities may not be obligated to follow it. The same may or may not be legally obligated to send your body to the funeral home you prefer in case of death. A lot depends on state and local laws. So, don’t take chances.

Me, well, I should have died more than once before I was hit by lightning. I’ve been lucky in that since I came of legal age that I’ve been able to say what I wanted done (or didn’t want done) but it has also been nice knowing I had others who could and would act for me at need.

Of course, that’s been somewhat easy for them since my philosophy is pretty straightforward: if there is a chance at life and living, fight; if not, let me go; and, in all cases, put it in God’s hands.

In the event of major injury, I can live without a limb, or even two. Fact is, most humans can live without a variety of things, from about half your small intestines to even some organs (or parts thereof). Sacrifice part to save the whole? Game On. So long as my brain can function and I can communicate, Game On.

One of the few things that truly scares me is to have some brain function and not be able to communicate. Long story, but had a relative who lived what I would regard as a hell on Earth: they could remember being whole and normal; and knew they were no longer so. They were institutionalized for decades as they were alive, but with a brain that was severely impaired. They had to be supervised and cared for 24/7. The anger that filled them because of this was scary. I think under that type of circumstances I would like a DNR order in place.

As an aside, if I were left with the mind of a child, that might not be such a bad thing. Especially if one thinks of Matthew 18:3. Would be hard to confess past sins though.

Other than that, I do really prefer to fight. I’ve never had cancer, though I have had some pre-malignant growths removed; but, again, unless things are extremely advanced (the ol’ ‘oops we screwed up and you have a week or two to live’ thing which does still happen), fight. I got up and walked away after being hit by lightning. Fight. I was born allergic to almost everything (thankfully not chocolate or meat, childhood was sucky enough as it was). Fight. Dying is easy, living is hard. Fight.

If you don’t want blood transfusions, say so. Years back, I really didn’t want them and volunteered for artificial blood on an experimental basis. These days, my take is that if a transfusion really is needed, do it. My preference is for fairly fresh blood from the youngest possible donors as such has been shown to have very positive effects including helping reverse some parts of aging. My inner voice still thinks I’m a teenager anyway, so as long as the young donor is indeed a volunteer, go for it. Fight.

Don’t want to be an organ donor? Make that known too. As I discussed here, between doctors wanting to re-define death so as to be able to harvest more organs (and the offspring of unwed parents who want to wage biological warfare against Citizens to make everyone quit eating red meat) and what happened during COVID with the CDC, NIH, and most health professionals trashing patient trust, I am no longer a donor. The only way I might consider such is if I am a living donor. However, it is likely a moot point given the lightning strike and the drugs I am now on that not only am I likely to be rejected, and I don’t think I can even donate blood or marrow. Thing is, make sure your thoughts are known so that people you don’t know decide for you.

You also need to think about heroic measures. A lot has changed over my lifetime. Early on, once heroic started many states wouldn’t let you turn it off. In most places, that has changed. Then again, the definition of heroic measures has changed as equipment and tech has changed just a bit. My thoughts right now are that if the heroic measures are temporary and designed to heal and get me to where I can function on my own, go for it. Fight. If there is no hope for recovery, and it is just keeping the husk alive, no. I believe that in that case my soul has departed my body, which is why it is dying. It is body and soul together that create a living temple in the image of God. If anyone is truly interested, sing out in the comments and I will explore this further.

I will admit that decades ago, I may have had a friend or two who were prepared to go into my room and blast the machinery of heroic intervention if I was on it and not allowed off of it (keep in mind, hospitals and such made a LOT of money off this practice at the time). They were then prepared to hold people at bay until I was gone. Then again, there were some friends prepared to give me the mercenaries last gift at need, which included if I turned against the country or became a threat to its Citizens. Which reminds me, I need to raise a glass again tonight as I think most or all have gone before me. Also, still need to raise a glass to L. Neil Smith and Irv Koch since I didn’t do it the other night. Absent companions.

Finally, keep pre-existing conditions in mind. For example, one of the things I am still (very tragically IMO) still allergic to is shrimp. Which really means Iodine. Guess what is used in imaging dyes, Israeli (clotting) bandages, and more? Make sure all known allergies are known to and discussed in your advanced directives. Be one heck of a thing to survive the disaster or accident and then kick off because of an oversight. Be thorough.

Also, do make a will. Otherwise those you want to get things won’t, and you will be amazed how much federal, state, and local (heck, maybe even the HOA) will siphon off before giving a token to your family. Post for another day though.

Having people know what you do and don’t want is very important. It pays to be thorough, and to have people you trust given the legal right to represent you if you are unable to stand for yourself. Take the time, and you can also find legal forms for this online for most states. If money is an issue, a number of legal aid groups will help you with forms for cheap or for free. Don’t take chances and don’t put your family (or friends) in a bind during an already bad and stressful situation. Make it as easy as possible for them, and for you ultimately.

Plan ahead, because preparedness always pays.

Kamchatka

I noted somewhere the other day that the Ring of Fire was getting sparky, but wasn’t expecting an 8.8 off Kamchatka. Fact is, there are many small earthquakes every day, some in areas that people don’t think get earthquakes. Most are either deep enough or small enough that only seismologists notice them. Some faults, like the New Madrid, only seem to have a major event every few hundred years. Others, well, go off quite frequently, at least in geological terms.

When talking preparedness, I don’t focus on the almost infinite number of things that can happen, but in the types of damage they can do. Other than following earthquake building codes and suggestions when building structures, there’s not a lot you can do. I will note that some of the same things that help houses and other structures deal with high winds and tornadoes can help with mitigating structural damage from an earthquake, as they help a bit with flexibility and holding things together against unusual stresses.

My understanding is that you need a combination of flexibility and stability to avoid major structural damage. Of course, in some cases, there is not a lot you can do. Soil geology at the surface plays a large roll on how the seismic waves “act” on things. In the New Madrid quake some areas had the soil essentially “liquify” resulting in things in the ground shooting up (such as caskets) and things on the surface (like houses and other structures, going down almost without a trace.

Unlike weather phenomena, earthquake prediction is far more art than science. It’s being worked on, but we’re not there yet. So, it’s going to hit with little or no warning — which means your preparations have to be on reaction rather than being pro-active. It’s a different bit of planning, and if near the coast you should have a bug-out plan not only made but ready to go on zero notice for tsunami events, and elsewhere the same given that widespread fires can break out, dams fail, etc. Figure routes are likely to be clogged, and plan accordingly.

One of the more novel, and potentially very effective for the actual quake itself, was the tethered hot air balloon Daryl Dragon (the Captain of Captain and Tennille) allegedly had behind their house. If things were bad, launch and wait for things to settle down before coming down. Not sure if it was true or not, but seem to recall he talked about it in an interview or two. Fact is, if you could go up (or were up) when it hits, and stay up a while, it would allow you to miss the worst of things. At least initially.

On a more serious note, I am going to be interested to see what comes out in regards Petropavlovsk in the next few days. Between the earthquake and tsunami waves, it will be interesting to see what can be seen in regards the Russian Pacific Fleet, other bases, and the nuclear storage facilities. In particular, you do have to wonder how the subs tied up alongside — especially the boomers — fared. So far, not hearing of much damage but it’s well worth keeping an eye on.

Finally, in terms of preparedness, earthquakes are one of the reason to keep digging and demolition tools handy. There are a number of things that could leave one’s safe space covered in debris. Always be prepared to dig out, pry things up and over, or if possible jack or brace things so they don’t come down any further. Shovels, axes, pry bars, saws, jacks, rope, etc. are good to have around anytime, but may be even more appreciated after a quake.

Keep in mind that the Midwest really isn’t that well prepared for the New Madrid to pop off again. Building codes most places really don’t include earthquakes, and other mitigation actions aren’t there. The last time the New Madrid really kicked off, it was felt as far east as New York, a massive lake was formed in Tennessee, and portions of the Mississippi ran backwards for a time as plates were forced up. I may have to look for something I wrote about this years ago, as the area has built up so much now that a major event will devastate a good part of the center of the country.

Nor are the San Andreas and the New Madrid all we have to worry about. So, don’t think that because you are not in California you have nothing to worry about from a quake or quakes. As always, preparedness pays.

As always, keep your family and friends close, and your things where you can find them in the dark — even if the earth is moving (and not from a happy thing).

About The Texas Floods

UPDATE BELOW

What happened in the Texas hill country is horrible; and, the response to it by far too many is beyond horrendous. This weekend saw people throw down their masks and throw away any pretense at humanity and basic decency as politics trumps all.

One of the many lies promoted (suspect the social media version of JournOlist was running hot and heavy) was that no warnings were given because of DOGE cuts, short staffing, etc. All were lies as any cuts don’t take place until the FY, the NWS had extra staff on hand per SOP, and warnings were given in a timely manner. Not once, but no less than three times.

But, there does lie part of the rub. Texas was indeed right to criticize the NWS, as Todd Starnes pointed out on X. Back after Katrina, the NWS was (rightfully) criticized for not updating warnings and giving accurate warnings. The bureaucratic mind being what it is, the decision was made to treat every storm as the storm of the century and warn accordingly such that they could never be criticized again for not issuing strong enough warnings. Besides, that is easier, and easier to justify, that in having people show mature judgment and professionalism and update warnings if and as warranted. No thought, no muss, and it totally screws disaster preparedness planning and actions right in the keester.

If every storm or cloud is the storm of the century, none are. People tune out. I’ve cut off my alerts because of how often they go off for no real reason. It used to be the alerts meant something, and you got useful information from them. Now, you get the equivalent of the reams of useless paper that come with a one paragraph note from Medicare or any other government program. The alerts were meant to be short, effective, and only when needed. The perceived need to protect bureaucratic butt eliminated that utility.

As for the lack of preparedness and other issues in the area (dams needing maintenance, etc., that can wait. What matters now is trying to find those still alive; recovering the dead; and dealing with all the damage and things that come out of such a horror. As you pray for those missing and lost, say a prayer for the first responders who are dealing with a horror most can’t truly begin to imagine. And I guarantee you that they will wonder if they had been faster, better, etc., that some others might have lived. Probably not, but it is something they will be dealing with now and in the days ahead. Pray for them, and pray they get the help and support they need.

One thing to keep in mind is that in a flash flood, it’s not the water that’s the real enemy: it’s what’s in it and under it. Some do drown, but many die because of crush injuries caused by hitting debris under and in the water. Flailed chests are common from hitting trees, logs, vehicles or being caught between logs and trees while being swept away. Broken legs from hitting submerged vehicles and other objects are also common, and they remove the ability to swim (or even float). Those injured who survive the initial damage have a short window of survival. Pray they are found quickly, and can be gotten out of wherever they are.

If you live in an area prone to flash floods, your only realistic preparation is to be ready to evacuate on a moment’s notice. That, however, requires you to get real information concisely, accurately, and in a timely manner. The current warnings of the NWS are about anything but that. The system needs reform, and I hope that if nothing else comes of this tragedy that such does happen.

May God’s mercy be on those in Texas, and in the new flooding in Western NC. Pray for them, and let the basic humanity that seems all to scarce these days shine forth, now and in the days ahead.

UPDATE I: Sarah A. Hoyt, as usual, makes some good points in her post here. It does no good to send signals if they are not going to be received.

Getting hit by lightning is not fun! If you would like to help me in my recovery efforts, feel free to hit the fundraiser at A New Life on GiveSendGo, use the options in the Tip Jar in the upper right, or drop me a line to discuss other methods. There is also the Amazon Wish List in the Bard’s Jar. It is thanks to your gifts and prayers that I am still going. Thank you.

Quick Overview Time

Sorry for the lack of posting at the end of last week, got distracted by some things (Shiny!) and also my ego took a hit (smile) that I may share. Maybe not. Will see.

Yes, I’m watching events in LA and am simply going to note that if you think the protests are grassroots, organic, etc. I’ve got some bridges for sale you would love. Nothing says organic like pallets of bricks being set up in areas in advance, just like the ‘summer of love’ a few years ago.

In point of fact, DataRepublican (small r) has an excellent series of posts on X detailing who is behind the riots, organizing and coordinating, that it’s not limited to California, information on the real Karen Bass, and much more. As usual, she brings receipts. Between her and Mike Benz, who also has up some good info (see this one for example), lots of data and some very good analysis. I sincerely hope they both have good personal security.

Keep in mind this is the same playbook from the ‘summer of love’ from everything I’m seeing. Problem is, this isn’t then and the circumstances are very different. I keep pointing out the huge amount of anger out there in the general population, and the so-called elites are missing it. Rather, they see limited instances of it in certain select populations (ones they are using for rioting) and think it a good and controllable thing. I fear they are very mistaken on that and are going to provoke responses they really don’t want. Nor should anyone want them, as they could be a larger danger to the Republic that will be harder deal with long-term.

However, this ties into an excellent post noted by the good Sarah A. Hoyt at Instapundit, which I highly commend to you. Sarah and the author are right that the effects will be seen across much more than the knowledge economy. There will be few areas of life not affected by the ten signs noted.

I will simply note that I don’t expect the so-called elites to be terribly rational about things, especially right now. It’s not just that they see things changing, it’s also that their rice bowls (especially with the NGO scam) are going away. They are desperate, not terribly bright in many regards, and almost totally cut off from reality. They exist in bubbles where virtue signalling is far more important than reality, and what they believe is what everyone in the bubble believes, and spends endless time reinforcing that such is right and good. So, I expect them to try the same-old same old, expecting the same-old results. Problem is, reality has moved on and I think they (and we) may find out the hard way that they are not in control of anything. Such will finish off any respect for major institutions, and the damage done — fiscal, physical, and to important concepts in the Social Compact (Rule of Law anyone?) — will take generations to restore.

Meantime, not a lot I can do other than pray. I don’t have everything I want, but am prepared as best I can be for emergencies and to provide at least some limited humanitarian help at need. I hope and pray it won’t be needed, and that the current administration can and will short-circuit what is being planned and executed. Oh Lord, save the suffering people of Earth from the yoke of the godless authority.

Finally, not going to take sides in the Elon-Trump divorce. Both are driven, both are successful, and both have UUUUUGEEEE egos. I’ve noted on here before that I think Elon can be his own worst enemy on occasions. Hoping they both check those egos, remove their sense organ clusters from their ventral orifices, and get back to doing what is best for the Republic and for taking humanity to the stars. I think it would be very good for us to have a lifeboat or three (thousand) sooner rather than later. Humanity reproducing in the stars is a topic coming back up soon. Meantime, good to know Dragon is safe from the feud.

More soon. Remember: Be Prepared, keep your family and friends close, and your things where you can find them in the dark. Have Faith, and fear no darkness.

Getting hit by lightning is not fun! If you would like to help me in my recovery efforts, feel free to hit the fundraiser at A New Life on GiveSendGo, use the options in the Tip Jar in the upper right, or drop me a line to discuss other methods. There is also the Amazon Wish List in the Bard’s Jar. It is thanks to your gifts and prayers that I am still going. Thank you.

Solar Experiment

I’ve finally had the time, and the weather, to sit down and play with the solar devices some of you were kind enough to provide for me. Thank You, Thank You, Thank You! I’ve actually been using the portable units since they got here, and it is worth noting that I’ve not actually been able to drop them down significantly.

I wanted to see what would happen on a nice sunny day (where I would enjoy being out, sunny in winter isn’t it really). Within two hours, the portable units were fully charged. I’ve not been able to drain them like I expected, as there is quite often enough light to keep them mostly charged.

The fold-out panel is amazing. It has already got the big unit charged up, and you can charge it and another item (like a cell phone) at the same time. Suspect there is some time cost to do multiple at once, but didn’t really notice it on my limited experiment.

As for the big pack, I’m really wanting to try it on the router/fiber optic station upstairs. The fiber optic portion should stay up even in a power failure, so getting power to the router should provide internet access. Good theory, and if the landlord has no objection, will see if the “brick” can power it and maybe get an idea of how long.

While I don’t think the fold-out panel would be good for backpacking, it should be great for camping. The portable units would be great for backpacking and useful with camping.

I’m going to play more with them in the days ahead I hope, but for now I have a solid source of DC power in emergencies for cell phones, laptop, and other devices. Which means I have at least basic communications. If the router test works out, and the fiber optic stays up, that would be very, very helpful.

So, these systems are a very good add to your preparedness power portfolio. Useful for camping and other activities as well. Remember, the more independent sources of power you have, the better.

More soon, and thank you again so very much to all of you who made this possible!

Getting hit by lightning is not fun! If you would like to help me in my recovery efforts, feel free to hit the fundraiser at A New Life on GiveSendGo, use the options in the Tip Jar in the upper right, or drop me a line to discuss other methods. There is also the Amazon Wish List in the Bard’s Jar. It is thanks to your gifts and prayers that I am still going. Thank you.

The New Bike

A few weeks ago, I asked for your suggestions on a new bicycle, and several of you made a lot of good suggestions and points. I’ve been looking around and visited several shops, at least two of which had dogs as their top salespeople. In fact, visited two of the shops more than once while looking and researching.

The lead sales force where I bought my new bike

So, last Saturday I went and re-learned how to ride a bike. My balance and coordination weren’t all that great (IMO) before the lightning strike, but definitely took a hit from it (pun intended) and having vertigo issues hasn’t helped. But, with some quick coaching and encouragement, and skipping some near misses of light poles and such, I was able to ride again.

I also rode an e-bike for the first time and found it interesting. It had a throttle and other controls that made it more like a motorcycle than a bicycle. It was different and once I got used to it, not unpleasant.

After riding it, one of the humans at the shop talked with me about things I needed to consider: mobility, carrying, ease of use, and a few other things. Mobility dealt with being able to get on and off a bicycle, and the fact that at my age who knows what additional mobility issues I may face in the future. So, they strongly suggested a step-through design (similar to girls bikes in the 50s and 60s). Being able to easily pick up whatever I got, for putting it on a bike rack on a bus or car, or to carry it around an obstacle, was also a consideration. There were a few other considerations for a person my age, and we covered them.

The e-bike I secretly wanted, though it lists for what a good used car would run.

Then he showed me around the shop and made a recommendation on one of the brands they sold. It was an e-bike, Urtopia brand, but one very different from the one I had ridden earlier. In fact, it hit several of my non-physical/preparedness considerations.

Unlike a number of e-bikes, you can ride it without the electronics charged. In fact, on my test ride, I started out with zero assist and still managed to easily get it up above 20 mph (on a flat/level surface) just using the regular gearing (8 speed). No throttle, start your ride just like a regular bike. The frame is carbon fiber, so I could easily pick it up even with the artificial shoulders. The tires are not super-wide, but are large and can handle streets, gravel, and dirt. Not sure about sand or a beach, but that’s not likely anyway. It also has a built-in security system that I can engage remotely if needed.

The range for the powered side is roughly 70-80 miles, and I don’t know how fast it goes yet as just the second level of assist gets me going faster than I care to handle right now (25-30 mph range). I still haven’t taken it above 2, and it’s going to be a while before I engage the (no joke) turbo mode.

It truly was fun to ride and reminded me a bit of the Raleigh Record from my youth. I do have to remember to squeeze both breaks, as they are apparently pneumatic and work very well. My steering and balance need work, a lot of work, but that will hopefully improve with more riding.

With it, I got what is supposed to be a very good helmet (Smith) with a rechargeable light on the back to aid with visibility. Helmet itself is florescent yellow. The shop also installed a mirror for me and it does help. Security is provided through a bar-lock system (linked metal bars) that folds up and attaches to a carrier mounted on the frame. There is a bag on the back rack that has fold-out side pockets that drop down and can hold larger items and/or a fair amount of groceries. You can get a lot into that little bag, and you can also take the bag with you when you leave the bike, it even has a shoulder strap for that purpose.

Me being me, I’ve also attached a rescue strobe to the bag to help with visibility. Of course, if anyone doesn’t see my fat fluffy rump they are too blind to be driving IMO… I also want to find a way to mount a Streamlight tac light (or larger light even) to the handlebars for an improved front light. What comes with it isn’t bad, but when you need light I really would rather have the power of a Streamlight.

Yes, I did pay more than I would have liked. Then again, I also remember when a top line bicycle cost just $200. As it is, got some good discounts and the new bike was actually less expensive that one of the used rental bikes. It also fits into the bike racks on the IndyGo bus, which gives me a lot more flexibility in travel. For all that I don’t mind a good walk, the bike gives me savings in time as well as in the distance I can cover.

Plan to check out battery life and such here over the next few weeks. The security system does draw power all the time, so need to keep an eye on how that effects things. Then again, static life may not be an issue. I rode it home from downtown Indy the day I bought it, and yesterday after doctor and groceries, took it out along the Pennsy Trail for a few miles. Stopped at a place I’d wanted to check out for a while, and accidentally left it fully on while I was inside. Even with that, battery level only dropped a notch or two.

Indy does have a network of trails for pedestrians and bicycles based on old railroad lines. Looking at using a couple of them for shopping and such where I don’t need my cart but can use the bike bag and/or a backpack. There are a couple of places I like to go, but require a bus change where you can wait thirty or more minutes for the second bus. I can hop over to one of the trails on my bike and get where I want to go in less time than that.

I just wish the Wally World and Meijers closest to me had secure bicycle “parking” as I can easily reach them using one trail in a faster time than by bus. Security is key for me, as right now I can’t afford to replace it and need to look at some insurance to cover it just in case. I also need to look at pulling my elbow and knee pads out of the deployment bag as they might come in handy. So far I haven’t fallen and haven’t run into anything, but who knows. Better safe than sorry.

Other thing that will be ongoing is getting the seat adjusted perfectly. It probably needs to come up at least another inch, but we decided to keep it where it is for now until some of the balance issues with starting/stopping ease up. The one thing I think does need to be done is tilt it down just a hair so that it is a bit more comfortable. Few more rides, and we will see.

Having a bike, even an e-bike, is good for my physical conditioning as it is a workout if done right. It also will save me a good bit of time in running small errands without having to walk, wait on busses, and other such joys. Finally, it will let me cover far more distance than just bus or via leather personnel carriers. So, buying it hurt my inner Jack Benny, but it looks to be a very good investment. That it should also help with recovering more balance and coordination is the cherry on top.

More on this adventure as it develops. Onwards.

Getting hit by lightning is not fun! If you would like to help me in my recovery efforts, feel free to hit the fundraiser at A New Life on GiveSendGo, use the options in the Tip Jar in the upper right, or drop me a line to discuss other methods. There is also the Amazon Wish List in the Bard’s Jar. It is thanks to your gifts and prayers that I am still going. Thank you.

Take Care Of Yourselves

Non-political today, but a suggestion and a warning all the same.

You are your best and only true health advocate. Your health is up to you.

Writing this as I got the news this morning that a high school classmate had died, apparently dropping dead from an ‘unexpected’ heart attack. Hate to say this, but that rarely is the case as most often there were symptoms that either weren’t followed-up on or didn’t get a push from a doctor. Fact is, I know too many people that have had to push their doctors on heart issues, cancer, and more.

No, doctors don’t like being pushed but too bad. Push. It’s YOUR life that is at stake.

Even if you have to do it out-of-pocket, a lot of places offer a very inexpensive heart scan that can save your life. You can even get them for free quite often. Lot’s of places and organizations offer free or inexpensive cancer screenings of various types. Such can be a quick way to get the jump on things, as cancer is one of those where the earlier you start to deal with it the better the odds.

You need to be pro-active, aggressive even, on your health. Remember, you know your body far better than your regular doctor. If something seems off, it likely is. Get it checked out. Don’t let it get you checked out of life.

When I tell you to be careful out there, just remember that there are many threats to our lives, health, and safety. Heart disease, cancer, and other such delights are part of that. Be careful, be safe, and make sure your body truly is ready for anything.

Getting hit by lightning is not fun! If you would like to help me in my recovery efforts, feel free to hit the fundraiser at A New Life on GiveSendGo, use the options in the Tip Jar in the upper right, or drop me a line to discuss other methods. There is also the Amazon Wish List in the Bard’s Jar. It is thanks to your gifts and prayers that I am still going. Thank you.