Originally published at Notes from the bunker…. You can comment here or there.

Day Two of the Carter II administration. I observed the day in the only way that seemed like a reasonable response – I picked up another Glock 17 with night sights, box and a couple spare magazines. Not ‘high capacity’ magazines, mind you….no, these are ‘normal capacity’ 17-rd mags.

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Things continue apace for us here. A little ammo here and there, a case of food, some more freeze drieds, some silver in the safe, some cash stuffed into a safe place, a close eye on the debt and spending…. We won’t prosper in the upcoming economic adventure but I think we’ll fare better than many others will. The trick will be to stay focused, not get complacent and to be careful not to endanger our own well-being if we choose to help others.

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Since spring is, in theory, ‘right around the corner’ its getting to be time to start some seeds indoors. I need to do a little online shopping and pick out some things. I’d like to make my own roasted red peppers this year so Im gonna need seeds for that. Tomatoes are a must, prefereably some Romas, I also need the usual assortment of herbs, a buncha different chiles, a salad mix blend, cucumbers and that sort of thing. Montana isn’t the best place to grow things that require long hot summers (since our nighttime temps can drop 30-40 degrees) but I’ve had good luck with the tomatoes and peppers. I’d love to grow okra but that aint gonna happen in this clime. Someday when we have a place out in the sticks Im going to have a nice greenhouse made out of glass block, but until then I’ll have to settle for what will grow in the yard. I have this fantasy about being able to grow everything I need to make and can my own salsa and spaghetti sauce…onions are a bit tricky but I think I can swing it. Garlic….not so sure about, gotta research it some.

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Everyone is focusing on the guns aspect of upcoming legislation. This is understandable since it’s no secret that the Democrats would be happy to have my AR’s declared as ‘destructive devices’ and require them to be turned in or be legislated into oblivion. It is worth noting, however, that legislation of other things that matter to us in the realm of preparedness also need to be addressed. For example, a month or so ago the powers that be came down on the simple gasoline jerry can and as a result we’re going to be stuck with the crappy CARB-compliant models. Dealer shelves are already starting to run out of the ‘old style’ cans. My personal favorites are the ‘European’ style cans and those too are getting scarce. Other areas to keep an eye on would, in my opinion, be amateur radio as .gov looks at either increasing regulation or tightening up licensing requirements in the name of ‘Fatherland security’. Ditto for things like ‘disposable’ cell phones, anonymous emailers, some encryption, and anything else that lets you keep your privacy. I have no doubt that some banking rules will change, making it tougher to deal with ‘large’ quantities of cash. A national ID card is probably in the works. Licensing or hellacious taxing of gunpowder and bullets may be on the agenda. Cars manufactured with built-in ‘tamper proof’ ‘black boxes’? Sure. Easing of restrictions on things like wiretaps and vehicle tracking? Why not? Theres no shortage of ‘wish list’ items that politicians have been dreaming of for years.

:::sigh::: Not a great time to be someone who simply wants to be left alone to live as they see fit.