Super Cool Deal

Brunton Solaris 6 Foldable Solar Array

I just saw this in the REI catalog I get in the mail. Great deal! It is normally 200 smackers. But they are selling overstock for $100. Pretty cool, and pretty handy in a 72 hour kit!

The Flu Season

Flu season is coming up, and usually I just groan and say, I really hope I don't get that flu during Christmas. I kid you not, every year for the last 5 years, I have gotten the flu over Christmas or just after! I know what you'll tell me, It is because I was out shopping among the masses, the diseased masses! hehe. Usually it is not a bigger deal than, I feel miserable, achy, feverish, & the grand business of  barfing my brains out getting the vapors. (classy, I know) However, This year, my concern is a little heightened, because:
A. I have a baby
B. I have a 3 year old
C. H1N1
It seems that the CDC is expecting it to hit pretty hard, and because we have no immunities to it, it is possibly deadly for some. I am not an extreme doomsdayer, but I am Prudent. I am going to pick up some more hand soap and pedialyte today when I go grocery shopping. Also, I may do more shopping online this year instead of getting everyone's holiday "cheer". Here is a fun quiz, test your flu knowledge!

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THe Flu

Practice

A great way to get yourself into preparedness shape, is to go camping. I am NOT talking about Survivorman type camping, eating bugs & using Qulliq candles. Just some good old fashioned smores, tents, and firewood camping. We chose to take out boys out while they are still young.

They get used to sleeping outdoors, doing some exploring of the woods, and most importantly, using their "listening ears" Things like: do not go near the fire, and do not wander to far from where I can see you, are serious rules that must be followed no question. It is good family preparedness practice.

I can also use the packing up time to make sure the gear is all in order. I failed to check the lantern before we left, and when I opened it up to light it, the mantels disintegrated. Whoops! Lucky for me, I had put a little package in the bottom of the lantern box to change them out! I was sure glad I did, because we would have been setting up the tent by the light of a small fire. (that reminds me, I need to buy more mantels to put in the box for the next time I forget to change them before we leave...hehe) 


Do you camp? How often?

Do 1 Thing

Just got my do 1 thing email for the day, and this month is "power" month. The email is about thinking about a power outage, and getting some basic things.

Do One Thing (choose one thing to do this month)

       



  Have flashlights ready in an easily accessible place.

   Check batteries in flashlights and radios.

   Create a power outage checklist and review it with your family.

   Learn how to safely use portable generators.

               


        All great ideas! I think I will make a family checklist.