I'm a Cowboy and a AMERICAN

I don't wear chaps but I do wear jeans.

I ride a different kind a horse.

I don't push forty head of bad tempered steers.

I do push forty ton of steel.

Like the cowboy of old I"m

devoted to my craft. For I am a cowboy.

Rain,snow,or shine I'm here.

Be it day or nite, hot or cold

I push my load to market.

I like the cowboy of old

have the greatest view of our

nation. Big bold beautiful

AMERICA.

My country my land my home.

The land of my fathers who would

weep for the nation the freely gave of blood

and LIFE to ensure FREEDOM for the son's.

What do I have to give? and to whom do I have it to share?

I would give of my life for my AMERICA.

THE LAND OF THE FREE.

FREEDOM a word that's on its way out.

I cry for my brothers who went

before me . Were there lives wasted?

At what point do Americans stand up?

I'm standing on the apex screaming

and my voice go's unheard . My body

shakes with anger at the silence.

I have seen America through a windshield

and she is mighty . Her PEOPLE strong

but still I stand alone as darkness

fall's on our nation I will fade to black

a footnote in some paper lost to history.

My line a SLAVE to the STATE.

forgotten are the HERO'S

Falling victim to time and lost are

the pages of the book of liberty.

for she to will be gone....

I AM A COWBOY AND A FORGOTTEN AMERICAN.

MADDOG

FOOOOD and GUNS

Sorry been in a slump as of late. A large black hole I had to overcome but all better now. So here you see dinner from the last time I was home and in the style of http://www.mausersandmuffins/ FOOD and GUNS

Nasty gooey enchiladas (mild) smothered in cheese. Talk about a pick up after five weeks on the road. Made with taco seasoned turkey meat .( a buck a pound) Olives onions and green chilli's wrapped around by love. Food is not just fuel for your body but a great healer.

HERE is the red ones fresh from the oven ...(wipe your mouth)

And no table is set till the utensils are in place. Food and guns a great combo .There will be peace at my table.

The cat (sneezy) expresses my feelings after dinner comfy spot and a nap. We all have slumps but remember it will get better . as a side note i also got a .50 cal bp rifle can't wait to get home to shoot it. Be safe and have fun in the kitchen ----maddog

MADDOGSYARD NO MORE

AS OF TODAY I WILL NO LONGER BLOG ON MADDOGSYARD . I WILL STILL POST HERE THANK YOU TO THE FEW WHO FOLLOWED MY BLOG YOU WILL BE MISSED

Preppers are Getting Noticed

It's amazing to me that one of the Web sites I visit regularly for news has links to British newspapers. Is it because our media doesn't cover these stories? Here's one example. Click here to read a British paper's observations on preppers.

ME AND WHY I DO WHAT I DO

Hello my name is Maddog. Let me tell you a little about myself. They call me MADDOG because when like a dog I bite....I"m a free thinking AMERICAN male who wish to survive what ever is thrown at me . I have been a life long study of people, guns, self defense,trapping and planing for the unthinkable..I'm have shoot everything from the .22 short to the mighty 50 bmg. I have survived in climates from the high Rocky's to the heat of the low dessert. I love the out of doors and have walked untraveled trails and seen first hand what kills a person in the wilds of America. all to often the basics is missed we as a people have moved away from the summer vacation with mom and dad . To a summer of TV and theme vacation's were we are safe from reality. Drugs are the great escape we pop pain killers dished out by the hand full for the slightest pain. a quick trip to a perfect place. Weed to mellow out and chill all an escape a cop out. I live with what life hands me good or bad I face it head on. you can leave the drama home for to survive the truth is your most lethal weapon . It can give you strength and the courage to face what might come. I prep because i know the truth . there are no sure things stuff happens and i know I'm on my own me and mine know that what comes we will face together good bad twenty years I and my wife (angie) have endured pain (the lose of a child) sorrow (oldest making bad move) and happiness ( our 3 healthy kids 20,18and 4 ) we have faced it clear of head and grown stronger as people and a couple. I prep for the day I can't sounds dumb i know but there will come a time when by nature or man the shelves will be empty . A time were money won't buy you anything because there wont be anything to buy ..........WHY that is the million dollar question ? I would have to say i prep because in my hart of souls it is the right thing to do . I fell responsible for myself and that of my family not just the providing food and shelter but protection as well. so now you know a little about me now on to the good stuff ----------------MADDOG

"The Heirloom Gardener" Features Info on Drying Food and Saving Seeds

I'm a fan of "The Heirloom Gardener" magazine, but the new Winter 2010 issue has a couple articles of particular interest for preppers. I won't try to summarize them, but want to let you know about them.

One article is on drying fruits and vegetables, which you can do in your oven or in a dehydrator. There are several tips and do's and don'ts.

Another article discusses starting your own seed bank. This is a good idea because of the genetic modifications going on with numerous seeds. It goes beyond hybridization. Saving and storing seeds doesn't have to be complicated, but again there are pitfalls to avoid, such as moisture. Among tips discussed is how to store seeds in your freezer properly.

"The Heirloom Gardener" is published here in Missouri and is well worth the $12 per year subscription price. Check them out at http://www.theheirloomgardener.com/. The site has been updated, and you may be able to read these articles online. I hasten to add I have no vested interest in promoting the magazine. It's just a good gardening magazine I recommend.

Also, if you're looking for survival seeds prepackaged and vacuum sealed, Hometown Seeds has the lowest price I've seen at just under $35. Look for the Survival Seeds package at http://www.hometownseeds.com/ . Just a word of disclaimer. While I promote this company on my own blog, I make nothing from mentioning them here. I simply pass on the info for whatever it's worth.

VACUME SEALERS

WHY USE A VACUUM SEALER? MONEY OR THE SAVINGS YOU BUILD OVER TIME NOT JUST WITH BUYING IN BULK BUT IN PIECE OF MIND IN KNOWING YOU HAVE LAID BACK A RESERVE. WE AT HOME USE OURS AT LEAST ONCE A WEEK. WE HAVE ORDERED THE JAR SEALER'S FROM BASS PRO SO EVERY THING GETS SEALED JERKY STAYS FRESH A LONG TIME IN OUR HOUSE FOR MONTHS. AFTER WE DRY THE JERKY WE PUT IT IN WIDE MOTH JARS AND VACUUM SEAL AND STORE UNDER THE BED . SO GET AND USE A VACUUM SEALER IT WILL PAY FOR ITS SELF IN 3 MO WITH THE MONEY YOU SAFE AT THE STORE.

MADDOGS JERKY

• 5 LB ROAST THIN SLICED
• 1/2 GAL SOY SAUCE
• 1/2 GAL WORCESTERSHIRE SAUCE
• 1 JAR MILD OR HOT JALAPENOS (YOUR CHOICE)
• 3 CLOVES GARLIC
• 2 TABLESPOONS GROUND PEPPER MIX
• 1 ONION
• 1 TEASPOON SUGAR
• 1/2 CUP JIM BEAM OR OTHER BOOZE

PUT GARLIC IN PIE PAN COVER WITH FOIL PUT IN OVEN AT350 FOR 45 MIN LET COOL PEEL GARLIC AND PLACE IN FOOD PROSSER WITH THE ONION JALAPENOS PEPPER AND SUGAR ALONG WITH THE JIM BEAM. PUREE TO DEATH MIX WITH SOY AND WORCESTERSHIRE PLACE IN 5 MASON JARS PUT IN FRIDGE FOR 24 HR

PLACE MEAT IN CLEAN MASON JARS LOOSELY PACKED COVER MEAT WITH MIXTURE PUT LID ON AND VACUUM SEAL JARS (YOU CAN SKIP THIS PART IF YOU DON'T HAVE VACUUM SEALER) PLACE JARS IN FRIDGE 24 HRS DRAIN MEAT 1 JAR A A TIME AND PLACE MEAT IN DEHYDRATOR FOR 16-24 HRS TILL DRY MOVING RACKS AS NEEDED..

PUT JERKY IN STERILE DRY JARS VACUUM SEAL OR FREEZE IN ZIP LOCK BAGS ENJOY

WINTER

TIME IS APON US . WINTER HAS SET IN SNOW ICE SLEET.....READ FUTHER

THE WINTER OF OUR DISCONTENT IS HERE , LOST JOB'S , LOWER WAGES, HIGHER PRICE'S, BUT---------------- WE ARE PREPPERS SNUG IN OUR HOMES FELLING PITY FOR THOES WHO DON'T BELIVE . EATING A HOT MEAL FOLLOWED BY A CUP OF COFFEE OR TEA WATCHING THE LARGE FLUFFY FLAKES DECEND FROM THE HEAVENS. OTHERS SIT COWERING IN THERE HOMES WORRIED ABOUT GETTING OUT SO THEY CAN GO TO THE STORE OR A FAST FOOD JOINT TO GET THERE NEXT MEAL RISKING LIFE AND LIMB TO MAKE IT THOUGH A SMALL WINTER STORM.

I SIT HERE IN SE MISSOURI WAITING OUT THE STORM SO I CAN CONTINUE MY TRIP ENJOYING A HOT CUP OF COFFEE WAITING ON MY DINER TO GET HOT SNOW BOUND IN MY TRUCK STORE CLOSED WARM AND FUZZY SOCKS . WRITTING TO MY FRIENDS SECURE I CAN STAY HERE FOR AT LEAST A WEEK BEFORE I NEED TO WORRY. AS THE SNOW FALLS HEAVY AND SOLID I LISTEN TO OTHER DRIVERS COMPLAIN ABOUT NOT HAVEING A WINTER KIT . I PREPED I PLANAHEAD SO I DONT NEED TO RELYE ON OTHERS TO KEEP ME SAFE AND WARM.

I NEVER TRAVEL WITH OUT TEN DAYS OF RATIONIONS , FIRE , WATER ,WARM CLOTHES, AND WARM BLANKETS AND A SLEEPING BAG. I'M PREPARED FOR THE SEASON AHEAD . NOT THE MOMMENT IN TIME . SO THIS IS WHY WE PREP NOT FOR THE MOMENT BUT FOR THE LONG TERM -----PEACE AND WARMTH BE APONE YOUR HOUSE --MADDOG

NOW IS THE TIME

TO PREP DONT DELAY WITH ALL THE B.S. GOING ON I FELL THAT TIME IS SHORT. T HAVE NOW CRYSTAL BALL BUT WE ARE HEADED FOR A WORLD OF HURT. I FELL SMALL GROUPS WILL FARE FAR BETTER THAN A LONE FAMLIY . MORE MOUTHS TO FEED BUT ALSO A BETTER WORK FORCE. IN WHAT I SEE YOU WILL NEED THESE XTRA HANDS AND MINDS WHO EACH BRINGS EXTRS AND DIFFRENT SKILL SETS. BUT SHOULD ALSO BE INDEPENDENT OF EACH OTHER WITH OWN GARDENS AS WELL AS A GROUP CROP ON SHARES. EACH FAMLIY PULLS THERE OWN WEIGHT . BUT A GROUP AT LARGE . A VILLAGE BY ALL STANDARDS . WITH EACH FAMLIY HAVEING A VOICE IN THE VILLAGE . THE BALANCE OF SELF AND VILLAGE WILL NEED TOBE MAINTAINED. AS AN EXAMPLE LETS SAY ME AND TOM ARE PART OF THE SAME VILLAGE . TOM WANTS A LARGE HOME AND I A SMALL HOME WELL THE BURDEN FALLS TO TOM TO PROVIDE FOR HIS FAMILY INCLUDING HEATING WATER AND FOOD FOR HIS HOME . WERE MY HOME REQUIRES LESS WOOD TO HEAT IT DO'S NOT FALL TO ME TO HELP TOM CUT WOOD FOR HIS HOME . WE CUT WOOD TOGETHER FOR SAFTY AND SECURITY ONLY. BUT I CUT MORE WOOD TAN I CAN USE AND TOM GREW MORE FOOD THAN HE NEEDS WE CAN TRADE OR SWAP FOR THIS AND OTHER SERVICES WITH EACH OTHER A COUPLE QUILTS FOR WOOD A GOOD AXXE FOR FOOD ECT... MADDOG

BE ALERT

BE ALERT!! KNOW YOUR PLACE IN THE BIG PICTURE. THUGS LOOK FOR WEAKNESS IN THE WAY YOU ACT TALK AND EVEN WALK. POSTURE IS MOST IMPORTANT A WEAK POSTURE WILL GIVE A THUG ALL THE INFO ON YOU HE NEEDS TO KNOW. DON'T BE A VICTIM BE PREPARED KNOW YOUR SURROUNDINGS MAKE EYE CONTACT AND ACKNOWLEDGE YOU SEE THEM AND ARE READY SHOW RESPECT TO ALL YOU MEET. THEY WILL IN TURN SHOW YOU THE SAME . AND ONE DAY YOU MAY HAVE TO FIGHT DO SO IF THERE IS NO WAY OUT . FIGHT TO WIN NO RULES ON THE STREET . BITE , KICK , PUNCH ,SCRATCH AND GRAB BODY PARTS MOST MEN ARE RELUCTANT TO TOUCH

REAL LIFE SKILLS

I WOULD LIKE TO TAKE A MOMENT TO SAY THANKS TO ALL WHO FOLLOW MY BLOG . I TEND TO GET A LITTLE LONG WINDED WITH MY WRITINGS BUT I'M VERY SINCERE IN THE FACT I WANT YOU ALL TO PROSPER IN WHAT EVER YOU DO. WITH MY WRITINGS I HOPE TO ENLIGHTEN NOT PUT DOWN OR BELITTLE I AM HARD IN MY WORDS BECAUSE MOTHER NATURE IS A CRUEL LADY AND NOT TO BE TAKEN LIGHTLY . SHE WILL KILL IF YOU ARE UNPREPARED AND MIGHT KILL YOU ANYWAY JUST BECAUSE SHE CAN. I HAVE OVER THE YEARS ENJOYED THE OUTDOORS AND TWICE NEEDED MEDICAL ATTN . ONCE I GOT FROSTBITE WHEN I FELL THROUGH SOME THIN ICE AND DID NOT KNOW WHAT TO DO LUCKY FOR ME SOME PASSERBY HELP ME DOWN TO MY RIDE. AND THE SECOND A 2 DAY TRIP TURNED INTO A 8 DAY TRIP WHEN I BROKE MY ANKLE 22 MILES FROM THE MAIN TRAIL . I WOULD LIKE TO THANK THE CDF FOR FINDING ME 300 YARDS FROM MY BIKE . I WAS 6 DAYS OVER DUE AND THEY JUST THEN DECIDED TO LOOK FOR ME . SO ALL WAYS LEAVE A TRIP PLAN WITH FAMILY ALSO FILE A PLAN WITH THE LOCAL RANGER STATION KEEP TO YOUR TIME TABLE IT COULD SAVE YOUR LIFE .

I WOULD LIKE TO TAKE A LOOK AT A FEW SURVIVAL CASES AND SEE WERE THEY WENT WRONG.

CASE ONE INVOLVES A FAMILY OF 4 WHO TAKES A SHORT CUT THROUGH THE BACK COUNTRY IN THE SMALL MINI VAN BECOMES STUCK IN THE SNOW NO SUPPLIES TAKEN . HUSBAND STRIKES OUT TO FIND HELP GONE 3 DAYS FOUND 200 BEHIND CAR. IN SITE ALL COULD HAVE BEEN AVOIDED BY STAYING ON MAJOR HIGHWAY. NO 4X4 , NO PREPS TRIED TO RESCUE SELF , NO OUT DOORS EXPERIENCE, OUT COME DEAD. FIRST MAKE A PLAN TELL SOME ONE AND FOLLOW THE PLAN. SECOND HAVE A 7 DAY BUG-OUT KIT I;E XTRA BLANKETS FOOD WATER FIRE. SECOND NEVER LEAVE THE CAR ONLY AS A LAST RESORT SET THE SPARE ON FIRE TO DRAW ATTN TO YOU SECOND AS A LAST DITCH EFFORT SET THE FORREST ON FIRE SOME ONE WILL COME . DON'T TRY TO WALK OUT UNLESS YOU HAVE NO OTHER OUT YOU WILL NEED A COMPASS. YOU SEE YOU TAKE A LONGER STEEP WITH YOUR RIGHT LEG UNLESS YOUR A LEFTY THEN ITS YOU LEFT AND WITH OUT A COMPASS YOU WILL WALK IN A CIRCLE . YOU CANT HELP IT I DO IT EVERY ONE DOE'S IT. SECOND KNOW YOUR LIMIT'S AND DON'T EXCEED THOSE LIMIT'S. BOTH MY 4X4 AND MY WIFE'S EXPLORER ARE MODIFIED FOR OFF ROAD USE AS WE LIVE DOWN 10 MILES OF BAD DIRT ROAD AND REQUIRE MORE FROM OUR CARS ON A DAILY USE.AND WE CARRY EQUIPMENT TO MATCH THE WEATHER AND SEASON I WOULD NEVER STRIKE OUT ACROSS COUNTRY WITH OUT A SHOVEL ,AX,PICK ,HI-BOY COMA LONG AND WINCH ALONG WITH MY TOOL BOX AND SOME SPARE PARTS. IN COMING POSTINGS I WILL SHOW OUR REDESIGNED OFF ROAD BOXES FOR OUR EXPLORER THEY FIT THE ROOF RACK AND KEEP EVERY THING NICE AND NEAT . WE WERE USING A SINGLE BOX I MADE YEARS AGO . BUT THE NE ONE WILL SEPARATE TOOLS AND LUGGAGE MADE OF WOOD ITS VERY REGARD SO TILL NEXT TIME PEACE--------MADDOG

BASIC SKILLS

THERE ARE THREE VERY BASIC SKILLS AS A PEPPER I FELL ARE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT TO KNOW. IN ORDER THEY ARE FIRE, SHELTER , FOOD THE REST ARE CREATER COMFORTS. SO ASK YOURSELF ...... CAN I PROVIDE THE TREE BASICS WITH NO MORE THAN WHAT I HAVE IN MY POCKETS ? I HOPE FOR MOST OF YOU THE ANSWER WILL BE YES BUT IN TRUTH MOST WILL ANSWER NOOOOOO!!!!!.

SO TO THE POINT OF PREPPING IT'S NOT JUST SITTING ON YOUR BUTT BUYING WALMART EVERY WEEK AND SAYING I'M PREPARED.SO LETS START SIMPLE DO YOU CARRY A GOOD POCKET KNIFE? DO YOU CARRY A BIC? DO YOU CARRY A SMALL TIN? ALL THINGS YOU SHOULD CARRY ON YOU EVERY DAY AND I MEAN EVERY DAY WITH OUT FAIL TO WORK,CHURCH,SHOPPING AND THE PARK.. FIRST THE KNIFE A GOOD ONE BUCK ,CASE ,GERBER OR LEATHERMAN ( I DONT LIKE KNIVES WITH BLADES THAT DONT LOCK FOR SURVIVAL). I CARRY A BUCK PILOT . FIRE MAKINGS FLINT AND STEEL , ANY MAG BLOCK OR EVEN A BIC . I SMOKE SO I CARRY A ZIPPO AND A FLINT AND STEEL. AND THIRD THE ALTOIDS CAN IT SHOULD INCLUDE INSIDE TINDER ,MIRROR ( I HAVE CUT DOWN A METAL ONE AND GLUED IT TO THE LID ON THE OUTSIDE)FISHING KIT ( LINE SINKER AND HOOKS ( I TAPE THE SINKERS AND HOOKS TO THE INSIDE OF THE LID.) CASH (2 TENS LAID FLAT IN THE BOTTOM) BAND-AIDS , SPARK LITE (FIRE STARTER) YES I HAVE 2, COMPASS,2 3FT SNARES (WIRE) AND A SEWING KIT (NEEDLES TAPED ON INSIDE OF LID. 2 TURNS OF BLACK TAPE TO SEAL IT INTO MY POCKET IT GO'S WITH THESE THREE SIMPLE TOOLS I CAN PROVIDE THE 3 BASICS ANY WERE PLACE OR TIME.

OF COURSE YOU WILL NEED A FORTH ITEM THAT CAN NOT BE BOUGHT OR MADE . THIS THING MUST BE LEARNED NOT BY READING OR WATCHING BUT BY DOING. AND THAT IS SKILL NOT WHEN YOU NEED IT BUT NOW . YOU MUST MUST MUST GET OUT INTO THE FIELD AND LEARN PRIMITIVE SKILLS . FOR THIS EXERCISE YOU WILL NEED A SMALL BACK PACK AND 50^ OF 550, SMALL LED LIGHT 5 BUCKS AT WALMART , ONE GOOD LOCK BLADE KNIFE ,ONE 8X10 TARP 1 SLEEPING BAG ,MESS KIT,32OZ WATER BOTTLE ,ONE SMALL AX OR LARGE (GOOD QUALITY) 45+ DOLLARS FIXED BLADE KNIFE ( I RECOMMEND A COLD STEEL TRAIL MASTER OR BUCK 119 )2 1 QT SIZE ZIP LOCK BAGS IN THESE YOU WILL PLACE FOOD FOR THE NEXT 24 -36 HRS . AND OF COURCE YOUR ALTOIDS TIN AND WHAT IS IN YOUR POCKETS ( THE BACK PACK I WOULD USE CAN BE GOT AT WALMART IN THE SPORTING GOODS DEPT MADE BY REMINGTON AND COST 20 BUCKS. DO NOT I REPEAT DO NOT DO THIS IN SUB FREEZING WEATHER UNTIL YOU HAVE BECOME COMFORTABLE IN YOUR SKILLS YOU WILL I REPEAT YOU WILL DIE YOU DO NOT HAVE THE LEVEL OF SKILL TO SURVIVE SUB ZERO TEMPS . I HAVE ADVANCED WILDERNESS SKILLS IN BOTH DESSERT AND HIGH MOUNTAIN TERRAIN AND WOULD NOT RISK IT WITH OUT AT LEAST 2 REFRESHER OUTINGS OF MULTI DAY LENGTH.

NOW GO TO THE INTERNET AND TYPE IN BOW AND DRILL TAKE NOTES ALSO SEARCH YOU TUBE http://mdc.mo.gov/teacher/highered/crafts/craft17.htm GOOD LINK FOR THE BOW DRILL . FOR MISSOURI FOLK THIS IS A GOOD RESOURCE LINK ON PLANT'S FROM MISSOURIhttp://mdc4.mdc.mo.gov/applications/MDCLibrary/MDCLibrary2.aspx?NodeID=1995 ALSO CK THIS SITE MY FAVORITEhttp://www.primitiveways.com/survival_skills.html SO HIT THE FIELD AND GAIN THOSE SKILLS BE SAFE AND STAY ALIVE. ..................MADDOG

BACK ON THE ROAD

I DID IT . I GOT BACK ON THE ROAD THIS LAST WEEK . TO EVERY ONE I SAY THANKS . FIGHTING AN ILLNESS CAN BE TOUGH .I WAS TOLD BY MANY MY DRIVING CAREER WAS OVER ONCE THEY PUT YOU ON INSULIN THEY NEVER TAKE YOU OFF .WELL I'M OFF THE INSULIN AND DRIVING ONCE MORE. THOUGH I'M AWAY FROM HOME THIS CHRISTMAS I FELL LOVE AND SUPPORT FROM MY FAMILY . SO TO ALL MAY HAPPINESS REIN DOWN UPON YOUR HOME AND THE NEW YEAR BRING YOU RENEWED HOPE AND A BETTER YEAR. SOTO ALL GOOD LUCK AND GOOD NI TE..........MADDOG.

THE POWER GAME

AS YOU ALL KNOW I HAVE A BUG OUT TRAILER THAT ALSO DOUBLES AS OUR WEEKEND GETAWAY. BUT WE LIKE OFF THE BEAT CAMPING. OUR TRAILER HAS A HIGH GROUND CLEARANCE. SO I CAN TAKE IT OFF ROAD. AND GET INTO THEM OUT OF THE WAY PLACES. I HAVE A LARGE RV BATTERY THAT WILL RUN THE CAMPER FOR A FEW DAYS .IF WE USE JUST THE LIGHTS.SO MY PROBLEM IS EXTENDED STAY AND THE USE OF OTHER APPLIANCES.I;E LAPTOP THE TV AND RADIO PLUS THE FAN ON THE REFFER. I HAVE THE STUFF TO BUILD A GAS POWERD ALTANATOR CHARGING SYSTEM BUT WOULD PREFER TO DO IT WIYH OUT THE NOISE OR COST OF FUEL. AS A LONG TERM SOLUTION I HAVE BEEN THINKING OF A COMBANATION OF BOTH WIND SUN AND WATER POWER . I HAVE COME TO AN IDEA ROAD BLOCK . AND AM WONDERING IF ANY ONE HAS ANY IDEAS I COULD SHUE USE THE HELP I'M ALSO LOOKING FOR SOME SORT OF 30 VOLT DC PERMANENT MAGNET MOTORS (CHEAP) I WOULD LIKE TO HAVE 2 OF THEM . I'M ALSO LOOKING FOR A 40 WATT SOLOR PANEL OR LARGER EMAIL ME AT planaheadnow@hotmail.com IF YOU CAN HELP THANKS --------MADDOG

Is it Flu or a Cold?

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) says about one sixth of the U.S. population has had swine flu since it broke out last April. As many as 10,000 have died, including 1,100 children, all of which is about a third of the number of deaths each year from seasonal flu. The flu season’s not over yet, but we’ve had more than our share of hype over swine flu, haven’t we?

Frankly, I wonder if we can trust their statistics. I remember reading once they weren't going to keep counting swine flu cases. They must be deriving their figures from some computer model. Does anybody know?

One thing's for sure. There haven't been as many cases of swine flu as anticipated, and they haven't been as severe as expected. Could there be more later this winter? Possibly. We'll have to wait and see. At least now there seems to be less demand for the vaccine.

Since an important part of preparedness is staying healthy and knowing what to do when we’re sick, here’s a question. Do you know how to tell when you’ve got the flu? That may seem like a strange question, but it isn’t. Most of us live in the fast lane and don’t pay attention to our bodies and what they’re telling us. We don’t know how to “read” the signs. Knowing the difference between the flu and a cold will affect how you treat the symptoms and whether or not you go to a doctor.

I’ll summarize the differences between flu and colds here.

Fever
- Occurs in up to 80% of flu cases Body temp of 100 F or more may last 3-4 days.
- Rarely with a cold

Coughing
- Nonproductive, dry cough often part of flu
- Hacking, mucous producing cough common to colds

Aches
- Severe aches common with flu
- Slight aches common with a cold

Stuffy nose
- Not common with the flu
- Common with a cold May go away after a week.

Chills
- 60% of people have chills with flu
- Not common to colds

Tiredness
- Moderate to severe with flu
- Usually mild with a cold

Sneezing
- Not common with flu
- Typical for colds

Sudden symptoms
- Flu symptoms hit within 3-6 hours.
- Colds develop over a few days.

Headache
- Occurs in 80% of flu cases
- Not common to colds

Sore throat
- Not common to flu
- Common to colds

Chest discomfort
- Often severe with flu
- Mild to moderate with colds

Stay well and prepared!