The Pickled Prepper

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Inflation… is it Back to the ’70s?

We could be heading into a period of yoyo inflation as interest repeatedly rise and fall. Make sure you are prepared for rising rates.
Eggs stored in our refrigerator waiting to be sold.

Can you have Too Many Eggs?

The early spring has meant a surge an egg sales and very active beehives. Now we just have to hope there isn't a sudden hard freeze.
A burglar uses a pry bar to break into a building.

Lose a Gun, Gain a Holster

The gears of justice turn slowly, but they do turn. Five years after it was stolen, the Sheriff returns a gun to me.
A house with solar panels on its roof.

Third Time’s the Charm

We get a third solar power quote, and this one has some nice features. There are a few open issues, but it could be a winner!
Internet connectivity can be difficult in rural areas.

Internet Problems in the Middle of Nowhere

Electronic devices seem to fail more than the old mechanicals ones they replaced. Adding internet connectivity can increase problems.
There's a storm brewing on the horizon.

It’s Ugly Out There, but What Looms on the Horizon Could...

There's a storm on the horizon—the economy, crime, layoffs, open borders, war—and it looks like its bearing down on us.
Bees bringing pollen into the hive.

Signs of an Early Spring

Suddenly, spring was here. The bees were flying, the robins were hunting worms, and the bats were catching insects. The homestead is getting busy again.
A building in Ukraine destroyed in the war with Russia.

Two Years in and the War in Ukraine is Escalating

Have you noticed that the war is Ukraine is getting more attention, and not for good reasons? Things may be getting worse.
Solar panels on a roof

Back to Square One; We Get a Second Solar Quote

Not 100 percent pleased with the first quote we got for a whole-house solar system, we talked to a second vendor and got another quote.
The U.S. Silver Eagle, a one-ounce silver coin, seen on a large bar of silver.

Buying Gold and Silver at Costco

Cost, the warehouse store that is a prepper's paradise, has started selling gold bars and silver coins. Is buying gold and silver at Costco a good idea?
cell phones are just one way the surveillance state tracks you.

Cell Network Crash Demonstrates how Fragile Technology Is

the loss of the AT&T wireless network for about 12 hours last week should be a reminder of how vulnerable we are to a loss of technology.
Rooster Joe and his Happy hens give us 18 or more eggs per day.

Mucking out the Chicken Coop

We take advantage of the warmest day yet in February to catch up on homestead chores. It's no fun, but needs to be don
Trucks crossing the George Washington Bridge into New York City

The Power of the Purse

Is the trucker boycott of NYC real or just a way to generate social media views? Pete explains why he doesn't think it will live up to expecations.
A ladder leading into a bunker

The Bunker Mentality of the Rich and Famous

Lots of wealthy folks have bunkers, but does that make them any better off than you or I when it comes to surviving a catastrophe?
A pile of gold like this can be worth thousands of dollars.

Cashing in on some Old Jewelry

That old jewelry you don't wear and have tucked away in a drawer or cabinet can be worth thousands of dollars.
Sunrise in space

Are you Scared Yet? Psyop or Psy-Flop?

Is there really a super-secret Russian space weapon, or is this an Administration plan to distract us from Biden's age and mental decline?
These old mercury times have about $1.60 worth of silver in each one. You should be able to buy junk silver staring at 18 times face value.

Silver Price Plunges 3.5 Percent on Tuesday

Silver went from $22.90 to about $22 per ounce during the first two hours of trading on the New York spot market. That’s about 3.5 percent.
Cache options

Time to Check my EDC Pack and Gear Bags

On the next rainy day, why not inventory your EDC bag, but out bag, survival pack and other equipment? Pete found a few surprises in his.
Stock trading charts

Should you be in the Stock Market? A Prepper’s Perspective

Investing in the stock market is a tough call when you see the danger signs flashing all around you. So should you, or shouldn't you?
You think your bills are high now? Just wait for inflation to kick back in.

What Happens to Debt after the SHTF?

We explore what happens do your debt when the financial system collapses, the government defaults, or we have a SHTF event?
Printed stock certificates are rarely issued any more.

What Happens to Intangible Assets when the SHTF?

If the grid goes down, the cloud disappears, and the SHTF, what happens to your money, investments and debts?
A neighbor who is clearing some land brought us these logs of future firewood.

Congratulations! You Made it Halfway through Winter

We're halfway through winter, but anything can happen weather wise, especially in February. Don't let warm weather get your hopes up
A city destroyed in war

War and Conflict Seem to be our Natural State

War destroys, but it also creates. Conflict drives innovation. But that doesn't mean is is easy; there is a price to be paid.
A soldier prone but observant.

When and How to SLLS

Do you know what a SLLS break is? Do you ever practice them? What about at night or in an urban environment?
The flag of Argentina.

What we can Learn from an Anarcho-Capitalist

Javier Milei is trying rebuild Argentina's economy from the ground up, but he may have to destroy it first. Can we learn form their experience?
canned meat on sale at Sam's Club in January 2024

A Good Time to Stock Up at Sam’s Club

It's been a few months since our last trip to Sam's, so we were pleased to find items on sale. Perhaps prices are pulling back slightly.
A chicken dares to come out of the coop despite the snow.

Cold and Hazardous Conditions on the Homestead

Despite bone-chilling cold, dangerous driveways and roads, and days of snow, we successfully survived the blast of winter weather.
General Store Sign

The Importance of Fitting in at Your New Place

When you move to your retreat, you are leaving behind your local networks. It's important to fit in and try to build a new one.
Protect yourself and your data with end-to-end encryption.

Living with a Central Bank Digital Currency

A central bank digital currency will signal the end of privacy and likely our impending financial collapse. There are still some steps you can take.
A city under attack.

What do the Europeans Know that We Don’t?

There have been lots or warning from European leaders about impending war. What do they know that we don't, and should we listen to them?
In the snow, everything looks black and white.

The Arctic Blast Arrives

Snow and bitter cold make homestead chores more difficult, but the chickens seem to tolerate it OK as long as they get food and water.