Through the Eyes of a Child

First, I welcome any critique or suggestion on what has or should be done. Those three children are the very reason I am here on this forum. Do not let me lead them down a wrong path.

Especially for children of this age, I consider signalling and shelter to be of highest importance. First aid is certainly near, if not at, that level of concern. Water, I am a bit hesitant to show them how to clean up a mud hole right now. Food, certainly high on their list, but not all it's cracked up to be short term. Listen to me argue with myself:


Food: Again, not a big concern when considering short term survival, but a major comfort to them. My focus has simply been to allow them some choices to pack and give them the opportunity to prepare it. I constantly remind them of proper hygiene, and of the safety concerns of a fire.

Water: I struggle with this one. We have relatively clean water about us, certainly not potable without prep though. I can justify dodging that subject somewhat by the fact that they must inventory their personal supply with each outing. Carrying the weight versus what you need/want is a lesson that we all struggle with concerning many items/tasks.

First Aid: Focus at the moment is simply prevention. They are relatively safe around the fire, so much so that they cook slow. I haven't focused enough on showing them the subtleties of a proper cooking fire, that one needs fixin'. Getting them to just slow down and be sober in their moves has been my biggest safety concern. I try to be calm when calling them out on that, I certainly do not want to quell their enthusiasm. They each have a first aid kit, how and when to dive into it I struggle with.

Shelter: As you have seen, they have been through a lean to. I think they understand shingles now, but I must test them at that. Knots, not only for shelter, is soon to come. A garbage bag tent, and the space blanket, may be one of the next tasks. A debris shelter is soon to come also.

Signalling: A short story first.

The second year that my oldest son went with me for buck season, was the first time I had ever let him out of my sight in that setting. That particular year, a hunter from a camp about 1/4 of a mile away fell and broke both his legs on his way into stand. He laid there all day, helpless, until one from our camp was making his way back to camp after dark. He made contact simply by yelling.

It was almost daybreak when we finally got the guy to the top of the mountain. Seeing that chopper land on that remote gas line right of way, in the Potomac highlands of WV, was a surreal and emotional experience. We have not been afield since that year without a two way radio. I'm sure many on here have experienced much more horrifying scenarios, but I offer it only to make myself relive the horrible thoughts of not being able to find my son. It shivered me timbers. I carry that experience, every time I am out with the varmints.

We started last week on leaving signs. I aim to focus more on signalling this coming weekend. Flash, their whistle, smoke, and proper protocol on the radios. They each have a 22 channel GMRS/FRS/Wx radio. Our hunting camp protocol was only an obligation to listen at the top of every hour for five minutes. I'm not certain how that evolved, but battery life was one of the considerations. We chose a high watt channel, illegal without a license I think, and operate with a quiet code. It works when you have many on the same "page", but it is flawed in a general sense. I could write pages of me arguing with myself on this subject, but I'll simply throw out a couple of comments/questions to hopefully start some dialogue.


They are certainly not a hot rod radio, but common and functional. Functional enough?

Without the paid license, GMRS is illegal?

Which channel? Is this the standard?...........LINKY........

Battery life, they'll last a week of daylight remaining on if rx/tx is limited. Top of the hour only? More? Less?


Comments are welcome on any of the above, or any other thoughts/concerns.

One of the varmints had been a bit under the weather through the week. It was wet from Saturday rain yesterday, and in the mid 40's F. So I made plans for an abbreviated day, we'll only spend 3-4 hours outside.

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JMA draws the fire building card. And yep, it's a twofer kinda day.

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One strike

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And we're off

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BD and BB drag away the bows

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While JMA tends to the monster

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We get the tarp roughed in.

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And break for lunch

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These seem to go over well.

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These, not so well, although I enjoyed a few.

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BD does the dirty work.

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They were a nice addition to my stew.

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We done a little bit of trim work.

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Then, it was whittle and saw time.

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BD does get some fuzz stick action going.

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Again, short day, We head to Mamaw's for hot showers and;

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Another great day that I'm sure will be fond memories for a lifetime.

I second that. Nice job!!

Do you plan on teaching them how to sew?
Based on this picture, it looks like it could be an appreciated self-sufficiency trick for the kids: http://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-w...-wZDGFLJ-L.jpg :)

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Originally Posted by payne

Do you plan on teaching them how to sew?
Based on this picture, it looks like it could be an appreciated self-sufficiency trick for the kids: http://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-w...-wZDGFLJ-L.jpg :)

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http://intothenew.smugmug.com/photos...-kcMRXfP-L.jpg

We're workin' on it. In the mean time, I need to teach you how to wrap an image link so that it will show. Quote this post and look at the wrap added to the photo that I added,([IMG]..........[/IMG]). Practice that for me? ;-)

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Originally Posted by intothenew

We're workin' on it. In the mean time, I need to teach you how to wrap an image link so that it will show. Quote this post and look at the wrap added to the photo that I added,([IMG]..........[/IMG]). Practice that for me? ;-)

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Haha, you're awesome!
And as for the image, I actually intended it not to show so that you are the only one posting pictures in here. :)

what an apsulute (sp) ausome thread my friend and what an ausome grandpa u really are

Thanks for sharing. I have my grandaughter living with us, and the first thing she asked is "when can we go fishing grandpa"

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Originally Posted by drewdunnrespect

what an apsulute (sp) ausome thread my friend and what an ausome grandpa u really are

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Thanks, and welcome to the forum.

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Originally Posted by tj922

Thanks for sharing. I have my grandaughter living with us, and the first thing she asked is "when can we go fishing grandpa"

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I quote the sig line of COWBOYSURVIVAL, "Teaching a child to fish is the "original" introduction to all that is wild."

I have been away for a week, across the big pond, on the east side. Touched down today and was blessed with the presence of BD.

BD gets a ped and mani while I take a nap. I awake to pajama man.

Hors d'oeuvre, I've been thinking this one through for a few weeks. Mac and Cheese from scratch, in the field has another twist. We'll get to that soon enough. MaMaws kitchen;

http://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-f...-fbPjZb6-L.jpg

BD cooked and served, this went over well.

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We take a walk before dinner, I absolutely love four seasons. Winter has come to WV.

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Just a drive by of the AO:

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Back to the kitchen, BD gets coached.

Peel em'

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Slice em' and dice em'

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Scrub it

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Smash it

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Flip it

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Serve it

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It's time for another nap.

TSPSBAVAO

Are you grilling indoors?

Peeling potatoes? Did you know the peel is the healthiest part of the potato? The skin of a potato provides 45% of your recommended daily allowance (RDA) of vitamin C, 18% of your RDA of potassium and 10% of your vitamin B6. Not only that but it adds fiber to your diet. The skin also contains phenolic compounds, which are thought to add anti-oxidants to your meal. Peal the potato is you want but through the tuber away and eat the skin.

Looks like another great day.

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Originally Posted by Rick

Are you grilling indoors?

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Upstairs porch, whole house fan for evac. The grid is on.

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Originally Posted by Rick

Peeling potatoes? Did you know the peel is the healthiest part of the potato? The skin of a potato provides 45% of your recommended daily allowance (RDA) of vitamin C, 18% of your RDA of potassium and 10% of your vitamin B6. Not only that but it adds fiber to your diet. The skin also contains phenolic compounds, which are thought to add anti-oxidants to your meal. Peal the potato is you want but through the tuber away and eat the skin.

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That hurts, that really hurts. But, I'm dealing with a ten year old. I eat the whole tater, but when in Rome (a child's stomach), compromises must be made. I'm shakin' it here boss, I'll have him eatin' em' right off the tree soon enuff'.

A day off school just after a nice snowfall, whatcha' gonna do?

Mrs. Frosty, catchin' some rays.

http://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-q...qzv5JCm-XL.jpg


BB and JMA, all rights reserved. LOL

Snow Illustrated Swimsuit Edition. Cool.

That could be you, Rick, sans the top.

By golly. You're right. Man boobs and all.

I start with a teaser statement; Our shelter got mangled. I went and had a look, after the storms past, and it's mangled. It's not beyond repair, I don't think. I don't think it will take any more damage left as is. But, it is a humbling thing to see. We, the varmints and I, should take note of the power that Mother Nature has in store. They haven't seen it, and I left it as I found it so that they may see the destruction. You'll see it shortly after they do, I'll take some pics of the attempt to rebuild. I have some tree damage to clean up also. I want to show them that also, a good lesson in what to look out for in extreme conditions.

For a number of reasons, we had to stay at Martha's nest today. So, cooking and Theater Deployable Communications were the topics.


First, cooking, on the wood stove. We split the duties up. BD builds the fire and learns the subtleties of damper and draft.

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BB was in charge of the sausage.

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JMA took the pancakes.

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I was more than glad to take on the photog responsibilities.


TDC, and you have to take note of the theater we are dealing with. Kids these days are growing up with an amazing amount of digital devices. If I am going to have any chance of staying in touch, I've got to learn "their" language. We've worked some on the two-way radios, but it was time to collect all of our new age portable COMM equipment and integrate.

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It was an amazing journey of what they did and didn't know, and the same for me. Getting everything to work on my network, and doing all of the security updates and protocols was first. Setting up their email accounts and syncing contacts and mail was next. I had little time left, but I did get them to run through at least one COMM on each device to each in our circle. All that while they were trying to show me and each other the latest and greatest app, game, or web page.

I would guess that I still have another few hours getting emergency numbers/contacts in a functional format. I would have liked to have done that one today, but I just got hung up turning "digital wrenches" so to speak. Music and pictures took that much time today, but that kept their attention and they learned some file management.

Get three varmints, and eleven digital devices, in the same room at the same time and you've got your hands full.

What a day! House shoes in the field? LOL

Time after time, ITN, you manage to teach them something valuable while having a great time together.
Who could ask for more? Not a child, not an adult.

It's fairly sad to think these kids are probably better at cooking than me... thanks to you! :P

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Originally Posted by payne

It's fairly sad to think these kids are probably better at cooking than me... thanks to you! :P

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And I consider it a rather low priority compared to the multitude of things that they need to learn, but it sure keeps their attention and I certainly enjoy it. So, I justify the time spent on it simply because it is fun although I am constantly arguing with myself on just how much time. It certainly helps that I have their Grandmother looking over my shoulder. If I don't feed them, or teach them to feed themselves, she will. Granny ain't gonna let em' go hungry.

With all that said, I am having to concede that food is much more of a priority than I want to credit. An army of varmints marches on its stomach.

So, this weeks preps sort of revolved around that subject. Martha dedicated a pantry cabinet for their stores, she being the pantler.

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Humble in it's contents but it does contain the two major food groups, cocoa and peanut butter. Purchasing procured mess kits and boil covers this week. Ashes in the canteen cups has been an issue, is this worth the weight?

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The mess kits are a knock off, lighter than MIL. A true MIL;

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The knock off;

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Size and form is close to the same, MIL on the bottom.

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Quality of fit and finish seems to be acceptable, but I worry about clean up around those handle rivets.

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Instead of a stainless cutlery set, a plastic spork for each.

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Martha and I spent some time in the lab also. Field expedient pizza, I can't wait to try this on them.

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Personally, I don't see the knock offs as a problem. It's not like the kids are going into combat and require military specs. As long as they are functional they should be fine.

If you are concerned about ashes in the cup and the weight of the Heavy Cover lids then why not use aluminum foil? The weight shouldn't/wouldn't be an issue for you and me but you do have to watch how much you load on the mini soldiers.

The pizza looks great!

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Originally Posted by Rick

Personally, I don't see the knock offs as a problem. It's not like the kids are going into combat and require military specs. As long as they are functional they should be fine.

If you are concerned about ashes in the cup and the weight of the Heavy Cover lids then why not use aluminum foil? The weight shouldn't/wouldn't be an issue for you and me but you do have to watch how much you load on the mini soldiers.

The pizza looks great!

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Other than the rivets, I'm with ya' on the knock offs. The biggest plus is that they are lighter. Warping could be a problem, but that's to be seen.

Point well taken on the aluminum foil. They each have 3-4 sqft of it in their packs. It's a personal bias that I must overcome, but I always hesitate to use a consumable. That's stupid I know, especially on day trips, by definition it's to be used.

The pizza tastes great too, and all of the ingredients require no refrigeration.

Aluminum is 100% recyclable so just recycle it. It will be another great lesson for the kids about taking care of our planet. You can add the Heavy Cover lids when they get bigger and talk about reuse of items over recycling. I love learning moments.

Sand can be used to clean around the rivets before washing them up. You can explain how it can be used as an abrasive. Just a thought.

Recipe on the pizza, please.

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Originally Posted by Rick

.............Recipe on the pizza, please.

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Sure, but I need some time. There were four manifestations. I'll have to gather up the pics, and study on the embellishment.

ITN - I've really enjoyed this thread. Thank you.

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Originally Posted by Rick

...........Recipe on the pizza.........

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Put on your tunic, toga, or both, and join me here. It's gonna' take a little time.

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Originally Posted by Rick

Aluminum is 100% recyclable so just recycle it. It will be another great lesson for the kids about taking care of our planet. You can add the Heavy Cover lids when they get bigger and talk about reuse of items over recycling. I love learning moments.

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Ecologically speaking, it's way better to not use the aluminum than to recycle it. Avoiding consumables is a great habit, and you should definitely talk about it to them. :)

Reduce > Reuse > Recycle > Rebus.

I do agree with you. As a consumer, avoiding non-renewable resources is, unfortunately, unavoidable in this day and age. Just as unfortunately, somewhere between 50-60% of cans are recycled so it behooves us to teach recycling to the younger generation. While there are plentiful reserves of bauxite ore, it takes a lot of oil to convert bauxite to an aluminum can.

http://earth911.com/news/2011/09/01/...t-in-a-decade/

http://www.epa.gov/osw/conserve/materials/alum.htm

payne, Rick, your words carry a lot of weight. You sent me away talking to myself for much of the day. Introspection should be a sober endeavor, sometimes that can be quite difficult both literally and figuratively.

I find that my decision not to use consumables is based mostly on selfishness, in particular self preservation. I always want "it" there, at my disposal, at any time. If I use "it", it's gone.

But I also reflect on the consumables that I have made available to these children. My only consolation is that I am trying to wean them from that mentality (e.g. BD making Mac & Cheese rather than pouring water into one of those plastic containers). That too is somewhat selfish; It's cheaper, it's healthier, it tastes better, and it helps him be somewhat more self sufficient.

I reflect on all of those cans of sterno that I have used, many times a fire would have done just fine.

Those are certainly not the most egregious of my sins, but some that are easy to admit. I take, from your words and my self evaluation, a greater need to emphasize the consequences of each and every decision to the varmints.

Yes, we're all in this thing together. But if you find yourself on your own,...................



Keep those comments coming. I rewound and played a lot of "mental film" today.

If it makes you feel any better.....hamburger and pizza sauce are in the dehydrator as we speak...er....type. I feel an open fire pizza coming on later this week.

We try to recycle everything around here. We do pretty good with it. Not a lot of stuff goes in the trash. We donate all our recyclables to the local senior citizen center. Except plastic bags. They get a might feisty if you show up with those. We have to take those to the city's recycle center.

In a recent shake down by the laundry department, prohibited items were confiscated. Possession of the particular items is not prohibited, but leaving various unattended items concealed in laundry is a misdemeanor. The charge carries a tongue lashing if convicted. Forensics reports that the perpetrator must spend a lot of time on their knees, in muddy conditions. Current leads point to a member of the "Three Varmints", a typically rambunctious group. Officials have released a photo of the prohibited items.

http://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-m...-mXTXGgf-L.jpg

Uh huh. I've seen this before. It's the notorious Marbles Gang. There have been rumors they carry light bulbs in case one of them gets a bright idea but to date no pictures have actually confirmed this. There were also reports last year that one of the members had lost their marbles. It now looks like another has suffered the same fate.

Don't forget that the members go by nefarious names: Grandpa, Jack, Sem, Jumbo, Cateye and PeeWee to name a few. Personally, I just think those a street names.

It was another shut-in weekend, kinda. Much of it was by design, the weather forecast looked terrible. I planned accordingly.

First task was ICE, and the associated ramifications. There is ongoing side bar discussions with their parents on just what is, and is not, to be included.

Their desk, for the moment

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Each received a personal "ICE cube".

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Safe keeping, (i.e. encryption or not, how it is handled and stored, etc ) and just what is to be put on it were discussed and noted. I have an integration concept relating to backing up some of their cloud info, plus personal info, that all the powers that be must agree on.

The view out the study room window was nice, Tom is feeling frisky.

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Now, it's time for a snack. I had been on the road all week and had prepared some pizza fixin's last Sunday in anticipation of this weekend. Since field trials were out, and cheese is a terrible thing to waste, I tried it on them a la carte. The plate has cheese cloth wrapped and wax dipped, and the baggy has cheese cloth wrapped and a touch of vinegar.

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I show them that you can live through it.

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And each slices in

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I can report that 2 out of 3 varmints approve. The vinegar soak didn't fare so well.

A unanimous thumbs up on the casings, fire is always fun. Scratch some of the wax off, and fluff up the cloth just as you do the cotton balls.

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It, fire, mesmerizes us all?

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The last one went out at 9 min 43 sec.

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There was a CB/PJ giggle session for resupply.

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And then, the theme of the weekend.

A double overhand

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A fisherman

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That was before bed time last night. I'll try to get to the pork fat and some more what knots, from today, in a few.

Another great teaching and learning weekend for you and the varmints.

BB was first up, he draws the fire starting card.

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BD was next up, and he had to show me a knot. Told me this would impress the ladies.

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Breakfast was sinful and busy. They each got to fix their own, we played musical mess kits on the stove.

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I had a teachers aid that helped tremendously, an app on their devices.

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I am surprised that I am not stilled tied up on the porch. They each amazed me with how fast they caught on. They would walk through it with the app until they thought they had it down pat, then without. There will be quite a few more sessions of knots, but here's a sampling of what a few hours can produce.

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Later in the day, I got to spend some quality time with their parents. They got to spend some time just being children.

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Another wonderful session with the varmints. Thanks for making me feel a lot more youthful this morning.

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Originally Posted by crashdive123

Another wonderful session with the varmints. Thanks for making me feel a lot more youthful this morning.

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And you have in fact contributed a bit this week. Your "French Toast" recipe added to a desire to fix it in the field. I have Amish made egg solids in store, but they don't cook up well. So, I started a batch of fresh dehy last night, Martha should be pulling and packaging them in a few hours. I'm going to lab test yours, and what they are used to, sometime this week.

I have an update from the laundry police blotter, we've had another incident.

http://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-D...-DQTC87r-L.jpg

That appears to be a rare species of snake. I believe it is "Redous Plasticon Agkistrodon Piscivorus". Also known as red plastic water mocassin! It is a good thing the laundry police didn't get hurt while encountering such a beast. I understand that there is also a huge penelty for possessing such species.