Blizzard, Tornado, Hurricane - Job Loss

Blizzards, Tornados, Hurricanes, Unexpected medical problems and Job Losses are only some of the events that cause a person to need to have some items prepped for hard times.

In a related thread on the Self Reliance forum there is a discussion by the members on how and why they prepare ... best reflected by one poster who states:

"For me personally, my prepping involves:

• goods-preparations, like trying to have stores of food, radios and batteries, means of heat and cooking, first-aid supplies including common antibiotics and antivirals;
  
• physical preparations, like staying in shape; and
  
• other preparations, like having a series of family meeting places in case we get separated, and keeping a general idea of large-scale geography without having to look at a map.
  

I do concentrate on goods-preparations, though. My biggest concerns are ... "

Curious? To find out what the concerns of the above poster and others, why not drop in on the Self Reliance forum at Homesteading Today?

African or European, coconut or not - how much does a new calf weigh?

For those familiar with the on-going debate over the air-speed velocity an swallow bearing a coconut by the husk, "[i]t's not a question of where he grips it! It's a simple question of weight ratios! A five ounce bird could not carry a one pound coconut..." - source the IMDB.

Similarly, when it comes to estimating the weight of a new (and unladen) calf, it's not a question of the size of the new born's hoof, but the circumference of the cow just behind the withers.

In a discussion in the cattle forum, a newly blessed HT BBS member asks:

We had a new calf today. The second of our 4 winter calves comming. Great Calf Healthy and doing good. Very Large ...

... I was wondering has anyone used or does anyone know how to tell how much a calf weighs by measuring their foot ... ?

With thoughtful advice in mind, other members offered friendly advice best summed up by other members replied to the weight estimation question with:

"Yes they make weight tapes and they are pretty accurate or you could pick the calf up and step on the bathroom scales..."

"The hoof method of weight is not accurate ... Weight tape would be best..."

The last two comments referring to weigh tapes commonly at local feed stores, or online - tapes based on statistical relationship between a calf's heart girth and body weight of calves from 80 to 282 pounds according to a PDF file entitled "Monitoring Growth in Dairy Heifers" provided by Penn State's Dairy and Animal Science department.

Yet another example of the neighborly help and thoughtful advice like the above can be found at HomesteadingtToday.com.

The tale of the hydroelectric-powered homesteader

Have an underutilized creek or river in your backyard? Then perhaps there is there a small-scale submersible hydroelectric solution powering your future.

Even if it is only to power the lights in your barn, shed or outdoor lighting - an inexpensive submersible hydro generator will not only save on the eletric bill but can keep you out of the dark those times the power lines go a bit 'heywire.'

As explained by one of the many HomesteadingToday users writing in response to a question about electric water wheels:

"I meant to show you the 'Aquiar Submersible Generator' that submerges directly into a stream ...

... you need a stream at least 13 inches deep.

• water speed = Watts
• 4 mph = 36
• 6 mph = 60
• 9 mph = 96

You can add a rock wier to increase your flow."

Yeah, it may be water under the bridge, but this and other friendly advice in our Alternative Energy forum may save you a few pennies on your electric bill while keeping your backyard fixtures out of the dark.

The Internet is indeed a big place

The Internet is indeed a big place - and one big place to enjoy it is over at the largest bulletin board established for individuals interested in homesteading and self-reliance: HomesteadingToday.com.

There you'll find neighborly help and thoughtful advice on a variety of topics including:

• Homesteading Families
• Livestock, including:
  
• Goats
• Poulty
• Rabbits
• Equine
• Cattle
• Sheep
• Pigs
• Beekeeping
• Pets
• Country Living including:
• Cooking and Crafts
• Fiber Arts
  
• Food Preservation
  
• Gardening & Plant Propagation
• Market Gardens
  
• Shop Talk
• Plant and Tree Identification
• Alternative Energy
• Alternative Health
• The Great Outdoors
  
• Book Reviews
• Barter Board
• Country Singles
• Self Reliance
• Specialty Issues
  
• Computers
• Bible Fellowship
• Homesteading Veterans
• Weightloss
  

Even if you're living in the city or the 'burbs, there's something at HomesteadingToday.com for everyone.

And some of that something we plan to share on this blog from time to time just to give you a taste of the good life!