Rain, rain go away!!

 

We succeeded in getting a pretty good coat of paint on the floor. I still had deck paint left over from when I painted the back porch on Lily. It "might" have  been just a little past its prime!  LOL!  But it is on just to protect the floor from all the rain we keep having pass through here on almost a daily basis for the past few weeks! But we had to unload the building box from truck and tarp it so it will be ready for use by tomorrow...hopefully!

The good thing is...it is looking like we will have very small chances of rain over the next couple of weeks. The downside to that statement is temperatures here, in a couple of days and going for a couple of weeks, from the forecast as of now, our Hi's are going to be bouncing in the Lo to Mid 90's. 😕 

So I'm still hopeful to be in the cabin working on the interior within a couple of weeks. I might still be sleeping in Lily but I'll be "settling in" to my tiny mini-homestead cabin!! I'm going to do a video this weekend, or so I plan on it, about what we've accomplished so far. And in the video I'll explain some of the changes I will be making from my "original" plans on the interior. 😉

 All that being said, this life changing experience is coming together quite well. Maybe not as quickly as expected...well...definitely not as fast as wanted! LOL! But they say patience is next to something! Forget what, but I'm being given a very large dose of learning patience...especially when it comes to MY timetable!!  Heheheheh

That covers things for the moment here at "Frog's Tiny Mini-homestead" project and life changing event!!

Hope everyone is still doing well. I really hope you guys are taking the time to prepare yourselves and you families for some rocky times coming at us possibly sooner than most expect. Please try your best to live in a mode of preparedness!!

Til my next update...Be Safe, Travel Easy, Go to the Woods Often.....and Live the Prearedness Mode!!

C'ya - Frog🐸 & Rosie🐶

And away we go!!

 

 

 

And away we go! The cabin is now officially on the way! Today the cabin is now a project that is in motion!

 

 

 

 

 

The floor is now down...and level....and solid...and I'm so happy!! 😃  Now it took a few hours, on Father's Day, after too big a lunch meal (that was extremely good), which called for a nap (which I didn't take)!

 

 

 And of course the floor had to go through a very tough testing session to ensure that it was solid, no weak spots, easy to slide around on! 

So I feel very good! We're on the way! Of course, now we get to put the building together, and the instructions are not exactly what would would be called very detailed. Lots of drawings, not so much explanations about what you are looking at!  LOL! 

Oh, have discovered a new breed of chicken....a "chicple"!  LOL! It's what you get when a cat goes after a chik, the kids rescue it and it spends the first few months in the house healing. It now doesn't know if it's a chicken, cat, dog or person! 😂

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

So it spends a lot of the day trying to keep up with the humans it is used to!

 

 

 So life on the homestead and the soon to be mini-homestead continues to pick up speed!

 

Remember to continue in a preparedness mode so you are not caught off guard with whatever circumstances happen to overtake you. We will always be our best bet at weathering whatever happens to be thrown at us! 

 

 

 

Until next update...Be Safe, Travel Easy, Go To The Woods often....Live the Preparedness Mode!!

C'ya, Frog🐸 & Rosie🐶

In case you haven"t noticed.....

Folks, I have spent a lot of time working at being...shall we say - realatively non-abrasive when it comes to politics and government. That time has just about expired with and in me. Our government at this present time (maybe since I was able to vote) the most lackadaisical, money hungry, non-caring, social media addicted group of....humans....that I never thought I would run into. But my "try to be positive" attitude has been body slammed so many times that I have lost count. 

So I have mentally relagated myself to trying to get through to those that I either care for, or feel a sense of "pity or sadness" for, because the time has almost passed us by where "we" can prepare ourselves both mentally and physically for the rough road that IS coming.  

Now, on with the real reason for this post.... 

I just wanted to drop a quick note to all...in case you haven't kept up with, the crap going on in the Middle East. It is getting very dicey for us here. That being said, a couple of things to look at.

    - I watch the daily swings of the price of crude oil, especially WTI (West Texas Intermidiate) which I believe some call "sweet sour" oil. It has been up and down like a bungee cord. Yesterday it hit around $68/bbl, this morning it was/is at +/- $76/bbl. The price of gas here locally was at an avg of $3.43/gal yesterday. These prices make no sense right now when the storage numbers for crude oil and refined fuels, etc are showing numbers that look to put us at "empty" in 45-65 days, in all categories. Just so you know, I'm getting these numbers from CNN, CBS, Bloomberg, GoldmanSacs...even from our gov't agencies. So it is not just my own "pessimistic" outlook on current society driving what I'm saying.

 This photo shows Cushing, Ok, the place where all our pipelines meet and the oil is then stored & redirected to where needed for refining.Storage capacity=90Million bbls. Yesterday it was down to 20-21.6mbbls. (photo by CNN)Folks no matter how you twist or add up the numbers....we are in for a very rough ride over the next few months. I just hope most of you have been watching. Even if the ships start moving TODAY in our direction with crude in them, from the Persian Gulf to the East/Gulf/West coast ports, from there to the refineries and ultimately to the gas pumps and our vehicles...we're looking at an elapsed time of up to 90+ days. Folks, right now by numbers from "those in the know"....we have at best 55-60 days left. Are you prepared for just in case???

    - Apparently there has been signed a "Memorandum of Understanding" between Iran & the US. It calls for a lot of things I won't go into right now, but the opening of the Hormuz Strait and a ceasing of military actions in all areas. But it seems that there are some who, it almost looks like to me, want to contnue this "not real smart" path currently on......

         Itamar Ben-Gvir (Minister of National Security): Following a proposed U.S.-Iran deal, he stated: "Trump's agreement does not bind us. Israel is not subject to the United States, and we are an independent and sovereign nation! … My position is clear: We are not partners to this agreement [with Iran] that does not ensure our security, and it does not bind us in any way." (from...Democracy Now)

             Benjamin Netanyahu (Prime Minister): Amidst tensions regarding weapons deliveries and military operations in Rafah, Netanyahu declared: "If we have to stand alone, we will stand alone. If we need to, we will fight with our fingernails."  (from...PBS)

             Benjamin Netanyahu (Prime Minister) - From a "leaked" video in 2001...."I know what America is. America is a thing you can move very easily, move it in the right direction. They won't get in our way.   (from...The Atlantic)

 As of now, we here around TwF are working at keeping life at it's normal franetic pace, looking around to see what else we need to do in preparing ourselves for what could possibly become a very stressful time. 

 

 As we look around, do you ever get to feelig this way? As for myself, the world I grew up in 50-60 years ago seems to currently look like this in so many areas of our lives.

And I can't help but think that the reason we are in the mess we're currently in is due to the fact that, in general, we put too much trust in what people have said over the years instead of looking at the "fruits" of their labors and the end results of those labors.

In other words, the way things are currently are the direct result of not wanting to do without all those things we have fallen into believeing are necessary to have a happy and "fulfilled" life! 

 

The above is what I'm seeing as the main issue that has grown up in these past few generations......

                                                                                  

 

 

            This is what I'm wondering is the point we are coming down to......

 

And my personal favorite meme... 

Covers my current mindset!!! Completely!!  🐸 

 

 

 

This pretty well brings me up to speed on life at TwF - Tiny Mini-Homestead in the making!! 😉 I hope this finds everyone well and having a great day and week!

Be Safe, Travel Easy, Go To The Woods Often if possible....and be sure to live in a Preparedness Mode!!

 

C'ya   Frog🐸  & Rosie🐶 

 

 

 

It Seems Summer Is Here!!

 It seems that Summer has gotten here with a vengeance! Today was 91* with a heat index of about 99-100. Now I know some of you out West are going "what are you crying about!?"  LOL!  Been there and done that also! The difference is when it gets to this point temperature wise....and...the humidity is 91-95%....well, you don't seem to sweat because it just sits on your skin! It is just a bit miserable! 😐

 For those of you that don't know, I grew up in central Texas where it is just about as bad. Then moved to GA and NC, which are still humid areas of the country. Then, in 1974, I joined the Army and spent the next 21 mnths on the East coast. Nothing better than 8 weeks of Basic Training in May/June at Ft Jackson, SC! Talk about losing some weight...it took it off!!  LOL!

BUT....the next 9 plus years were.....total of 6 years in the desert of New Mexico and a 3 year "break" assigned to Ft Wainwright, Alaska! I didn't expect Alaska to be a low humidity place, but it actually is! AND....I learned a whole new meaning to the word "cold"! The first winter up there the "HIGH" temperature for the month of February was -21 degrees! NEGATIVE TWENTY-ONE!! It was so cold and the air is so dry that to make a snowball you have to melt the outside of the "snowball" so it will stay together! Have you ever been hit by an ice cube thrown at you?? Think about a 4-6 inch "snowball", the outside of it very well frozen to keep it together!?  NOT a fun game! LOL!

On the other hand, you were able to build a little dike around smeone's vehicle in the parking lot, at nite, with snow. It only had to be 4 or so inches high....then fill it with water. At -25 or even down to -65, in about 1-2 hours....that vehicle will not move!  LOL! There were some folks that got attitude adjustments the hard way!! It takes a while to chip your way oit of it!  LMAO!! 

But at -30 and below there is a great thing to do for the kids...all ages of kids...and all it takes is a pot of boiling water, some food color and a good mug.  Dip mug in water, add color and get outside and throw water in air!!! You can hear the steaming water freeze and it falls across the yard as colored ice crystals! So Cool!  It was easy to tell which quarters had kids or new arrivals to an Alaska WINTER!!!

 

As I shared last post, cabin is here,,,,still in it's box! But it is here! I'm going to get the lumber for the floor in a couple of days and I'll be taking pics and video of the "raising of the cabin"! Still have some rearrainging of trailers and Lily and canopy to do, plus the clearing of the area where the cabin will be sitting. Have to try to get ahead of the hens due to the fact that there seem to be a lot of really good bugs in the dirt around where the cabin is going in!  LOL!

And the hens and the chicks seem to just gravitate to my area! LOL! And I don't mind them. But the roosters that sit under my open windows at 0545 in the mornngs....well, let's just say that it is now at the point that when I HOLLER  shut-up and git...if they haven't trundled off by the time I come out the door...they are on the run as soon as my feet hit the ground!! LOL!

That pretty well sums up the current situation at the "TwF Tiny Mini-Homestead" for this week! Things are slowly progressing even with the heat and the rains.

I hope this finds everyone healthy and being prepared! Cool weather will be here again before we know it!!

Be Safe, Travel Easy, Go To The Woods Often and Live the Preparedness Life!

C'ya - Frog 🐸 & Rosie 🐶

 

 

 

 

 

My Cabin is Here!! 😉🐸

Well I just wanted to let you see my cabin!!!!

How do you like it??  LMAO!  Well, we do still have to put it together! I use the Royal "We" when I say that! I will be present and doing what I'm able, but Cary will be doing the most of getting the floor laid and the cabin up!!  😉

 Tiffany came over yesterday and said "Look at this, Daddy". Think you might be interested?

 And I must say that I was quite interested in it! Especially for the price that it was on sale for! 

In fact, by the time I get the lumber for the floor, the 4x8's for floor....It will actually save me quite a bit in cost. And I do not have to worry about too much maintenance to keep it up.  

 In fact the options of what all can be done are quite numerous! Will still need to find a front door (there's one in the barn but not sure it will work).
I try to be a re-user/repurposer, but there are two windows in the barn that were to be used in a VW van camper. But....if they still operate properly....well....they will be mounted in the cabin! 

They are the louvered type of windows and I think they will look pretty cool! Big enough to let some decent light in, pretty good air flow and being louvered they will be able to stay open more when raining!!

Now...I doubt very seriously that my cabin will look like this when done....

I mean...yeah....it's "purty"....but I don't think it is quite what I would be able to live with!
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And this is just a bit to upscale "cabiny"! If you get my drift!!  LOL!

 I figure when I'm done I will be in a rather "left over, rather reused style" of cabin!!

I mean, what else would you expect from Frog???

Heheheh!! 

 

So that brings me about up to date. I'm still working on my "cookbook" and Part 2 of my first book. And I have literally started 3 different videos that I will try to finish by this coming weekend! Really!! 😀

 So til next time...Be Safe, Travel Easy, Go To The Woods When You Can....and live in the Preparedness Mode!!

C'ya   Frog🐸 & Rosie🐶 

 

 

Looking Back In Time

 Hi gang! I spent a large part of the day downloading pictures from my past travels, both  during my trucking days and "retirement" days that have passed so far! And I was actually rather surprised at the number of places over the past 5-6 years. And the number of camp sites I have had the pleasure of occupying!

 If I'm totally honest...I really do miss the desert! I like it so much...during the winter months!  LOL!

These pics do not follow any timeline! LOL! And I have to think about locations and dates...which is kind of a lost cause!  😏😉

Abbie was always just amazed at the big dogs we kept seeing. LOL

The sunsets are awesome out West.

Bisbee was a cool town.

There is just so much to see! The mine outside of Bisbe was a little bit overwhelming

I don't remember exactly, but the hole left by th mine is, I think something like, as least, over 300 feet deep! Now that is a hole!!

 

The Saguaro cactus are just amazing!

The thing about being out West driving the backroads...the number of people you run into is really small! And the quiet is really amazing.

Wide open land and skies and lots of miles between gas stops.

The one thing that you have to be sure of is to make sure that you do not let your gas tank get below half!!

 

 

 

 

 I just wanted to take a few minutes and share a few pics with you. I'll be loading up more as time goes along.

I hope you are preparing for the upcoming months. From what I heard and saw today, we might have only 4-6 weeks to tank bottom here on the US. And apparently we are hitting targets in Iran again today and tonight. So we'll see what hits the news tomorrow. 

I hope you are well and planning! Keep looking up!!

Til later,,,,C'ya, Frog 🐸 & Rosie 🐶 

 

 

Have You Thought About The Gas?

Hi gang! I have been thinking about this "Middle East" thing. And listening to reports, Bloomberg, Goldman Sacs...etc, etc. And all the numbers that keep being bandied about! Almost all the information that seems to be coming out of our "news" channels keeps talking about the price of oil. But I do not see/hear much, if any, talking about the amount of oil that is here, in the US, in storage. Basically nothing and it seems the public is not interested.

 

 

 

 

I asked Google AI....As of May 29, the level in the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) was 357.1 million barrels. But that report was dated May 22. Tank bottom is 159 million barrels. I heard today that it is at 279 or so million. Last week we drew down approximately 9-10 million barrels.  

 

At this rate we will hit "tank bottom" sometime in August from what my math says. "Tank bottom" is 159 million barrels due to the fact that the oil is stored in salt mines/caves, and the last 150 million barrels or so has dirt, rocks, "trash" in it and can not be pumped out. 

All this does not take into consideration the fact that we are exporting oil AND importing oil also. We use "heavy oil" in our refineries, "sweet oil" (the light stuff) is what we ship out to other countries that refine it. So you can chase numbers all day and it still seems a guessing game. 

But let it suffice to say that at the current rate, the situation in the Middle East, etc.....even if "peace reigns" tomorrow....it will take several months to get that oil here and processed into the fuels we need to keep our economy running.

I will not go into the numbers being thrown around for a barrel of oil if tank bottom is reached...both here and in Europe and all the other countries that are already almost out of oil/fuel. Let me just say that IF regular gas hits $7 or more a gallon, we will probably not be in a good spot! And if gas gets that high....diesel fuel....well, $12-15/gal is being talked about if not higher. Apparently for every $10 increase in the cost of a barrel of oil, gas from the pump goes up .25 cents. Diesel goes up .29 cents. And for those that don't really think about it....everything in our economy rides on/in a semi (tractor trailer) that we take for granted in the grocery stores, online shopping, pet supplies....EVERYTHING....will slow way down or could just stop getting to the stores or wherever you shop from. And those shipping costs have to be paid....and the products that they carry is what we see as the price increases at the pump. Which means....WE will pay for the increases in the prices we pay for everything! It could make the bare shelves of COVID not look as bad as they did.

 Today a "War Resolution" was passed in the House of Reps, now goes to the Senate. So it could be a way to "gracefully" get out of this conflict. Or maybe there will be a signed agreement that brings this to a close.

But whatever is in the coming days the one thing you can be sure of....we are going to pay for this in more ways than one.

So I again say that I hope you have put back some basic food stuffs. That you have some gas stored away just in case. Might not be a bad idea to have some bottled water tucked away, extra meds, fashlights....etc, etc.

Rosie and I are stocked up, looking down the road, prepared for flood, rain, heavy rains, high winds, power failure....all those great things! I hope all of you are also!

Til later and brighter days to come.....

Frog 🐸 & Rosie 🐶

 

 

 

 

 

 

Good Morning!!

 Good Morning Gang!! We have just gone through some really wet days and quite a few really strong thunderstorms! At one point there were over 160K people without power in the state. 

But it cooled down the air, was just 59* this morning! Felt just fabulous! And cooler tomorrow also. But by this weekend it will be back up on the mid to upper 80's.

I stumbled across the video below on YouTube that I found very interesting. For those of you that don't know it, I am a fanatical listener to Shortwave radio! And it has had a tough life over the past few decades. It is slowly coming back, but still not where it was 50 years ago.

I hope you find this video as interesting as I did!

 It is just another instance of the habit of chasing the dollar and the fact that government does not always has it's act together....In fact, it often does not have it's act together! 😏

Hope this finds everyone doing ok. And I hope you are still in a Preparedness Mode!!

Til later....C'ya   Frog🐸  & Rosie 🐶