A Local Disaster Network, by J.M.. The basic NextCloud cloud server.

(Continued from Part 4. This concludes the article.)

Cloud Dancing

Next, we’ll set up the Nextcloud application. Assuming your laptop and Raspberry Pi are still connected to your GL.iNet router and it has Internet access, open up a web browser on your laptop and enter the following address: ‘http://nextcloud.local’ – depending on your operating system and browser you may get a warning that says the connection isn’t private – just click to proceed anyway (or click on ‘Advanced’ and then ‘Proceed’). The first screen that will pop up is the following:

Figure 16: Nextcloud Activation

 

 

 

 

 

You’ll notice that there are two very very very long passwords displayed – the first one is for accessing the Nextcloud maintenance functions (http://nextcloud.local:4443) and the second one is for the default Nextcloud general user account ‘ncp’ (http://nextcloud.local). We’ll change these later on, but it’s absolutely critical that you save them somewhere like in a text file on your laptop for now. If you don’t and can’t remember them you’ll need to go back and re-image the microSD card from scratch.

Once you’ve saved the two passwords, click ‘Activate’ at the bottom. Once it’s done activating you will be automatically redirected to the Nextcloud maintenance interface and a login window will pop up that looks like this:

Figure 17: Nextcloud First Login

 

 

 

 

 

The username is ‘ncp’ and the password is that top really long Nextcloud maintenance password you saved from the previous screen. Enter those and click on ‘Sign In’. A configuration ‘First Run’ window will pop up – click on ‘skip’ since we’re not going to be doing any advanced set up at this time. You’ll next see the maintenance interface which looks like this:

Figure 17: Nextcloud Maintenance Interface

 

 

 

The first thing we’re going to do here is change that really long maintenance password – on the left side, scroll down until you see a function named ‘nc-passwd’ in the ‘Config’ section; click on nc-passwd and you’ll be prompted to enter a new maintenance password in the right frame. Enter and confirm a new password and click ‘Apply’. This replaces that first really long password you save from the activation screen, so write it down or save it somewhere as your ‘Nextcloud Maintenance Password’.

Next, scroll down on the left side and find ‘nc-httpsonly’ in the ‘Config’ section and click on it. On the right frame, uncheck the box labeled ‘Activate’ and click ‘Apply’. This is less secure, but since we’re not going to be permanently connecting this to the Internet it’ll will save a bunch of warning messages later on.

Next click on the small icon on the top right that looks like a circle with two smaller circles on each side – when you hover over it with your mouse pointer it’ll say ‘Launch Nextcloud’. That will…

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Episode 58: Barbara Lawson

Hobby Farms Presents: Growing Good Barbara Lawson podcast

In a Hobby Farms Presents: Growing Good episode that’s just a little bit different than usual, Barbara Lawson talks about gardening’s place in moving through grief.

Hear about how Barbara’s business, Meet Me in the Dirt, eventually grew out of her own grief over her mother’s death and the healing power of her own garden. She talks about healing gardens and shares a really special story about the tropical milkweed that brought home this concept to her.

Learn about the progression of Meet Me in the Dirt, from a group of Facebook followers to a mobile garden Barbara built in a bus to the current iteration of a wellness retreat space full of plants. This plant-filled wellness retreat is in a storefront in a mall, of all places, and serves as a healing space for Barbara’s clients—and it’s not the final iteration of Meet Me in the Dirt.

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Listen to the end and get yourself to a quiet space for Barbara to lead you through a meditation-like experience that she might use in her gardening sessions.

 

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Cost-Saving Tips For Keeping Chickens & Your Cash

Though you can scrimp on chicken-care costs, some things are non-negotiable, including safe housing, protection from predators and access to adequate nutrition and hydration. While each of these is a requirement for quality chicken care, a bit of ingenuity and a “give it a try” attitude can help keep your costs down when keeping chickens. 

Reimagine a Chicken Coop

Chicken housing has few requirements other than it be sturdy, safe, spacious (a rule of thumb for standard-sized chickens is 3- to 5-square-feet of space per bird) and well ventilated.

After that, all bets are off! 

Look at what you may already own: Kids’ playhouses (plastic or wood), potting sheds, old corn cribs and even lean-tos can be modified into a safe haven for your feathered friends.

If nothing springs to mind, don’t fret: If you’re on a farm of any size, there’s most likely materials that can be cobbled together into a stellar chicken abode. Pallets, salvaged lumber, old cabinets and more (even trampolines, satellite dishes and old cars!) have all been successfully made into chicken coops. 

If you don’t have any building materials lying around, plan a trip to a local construction surplus store (such as Habitat for Humanity ReStores) to look for building materials you can repurpose. And don’t stop at the frame! Your coop can be an extension of your home, put your decorating stamp on it.

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If you want to build something from the ground up, find free plans online and spend some time on Facebook Marketplace or sifting through garage-sale finds to create your dream coop on the cheap. chicken keeping chickensoranguta007/Adobe Stock

Grow a Garden for Supplemental Nutrition 

Quality feed can be one of the most expensive, ongoing costs of chicken care. Though not something to scrimp on, you can stretch your feed-bill budget. If you already plant a garden, consider adding (or planting more of) some chicken-friendly options, including:

  • beets
  • carrots
  • chard
  • cucumbers
  • kale
  • lettuce
  • melons
  • peas
  • parsnip
  • pumpkins
  • radishes
  • spinach
  • squash
  • sweet potatoes
  • tomatoes
  • turnips

Here’s a bonus: Hens that eat dark, leafy veggies lay eggs with richer yolks!

If you don’t have room for a full-fledged garden, consider an herb garden: Chickens love basil, cilantro, dill, lavender, mint, oregano, parsley, sage, tarragon and thyme.

An added nutritional boost can come from the garden. While you’re weeding, thinning and watering, pick off Japanese beetles and June bugs, throw them in a bucket of water and then give them to your flock as a tasty treat. 

Consider making your own chicken treats, too, using grains, suet and lard. If you’re the more-adventurous type, try raising your own grubs or meal worms. 

Free-Range Your Flock

Free-ranging your flock offers a plethora of nutritional options while encouraging the natural foraging and feeding behaviors. Chickens will nibble weeds and grass, as well as insects, lizards and mice. They’re especially helpful in pastures where…

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How Some People Got Rich During The Great Depression. You Need To Learn This Fast

The rising cost of living and inflation have many people fearing that a future economic recession or even a depression could be on the horizon.

The Great Depression was a very difficult time in American history. It lasted from the late 1920s up until the start of World War II, and America’s GDP fell by more than 30% while unemployment skyrocketed to over 20%. It represented the single biggest economic downturn in the history of the United States.

It’s important to remember, however, that not everybody became poor and lost money during the Great Depression. On the contrary, a lot of people were able to make money and even become rich.

The point of this is to show you that even if a future Great Depression strikes, there will still be ways for you to make money, or at the very least to barter and trade.

In this article, we’ll cover how people were able to become rich during the Great Depression, and then we’ll give you a few ideas for how you could make money or trade in a potential future economic collapse.

Who Got Rich During The Depression?

There’s an old saying that the rich can always figure out ways to become richer. Believe it or not, more millionaires were made during the period of the Great Depression than any other time period in American history.

While the most commonly accepted start date of the Great Depression (according to most historians) is 1929, the truth is that the seeds leading up to the infamous Stock Market Crash were already being planted in the years prior.

Related: 10 Things Not To Do When The Next Great Depression Strikes

How Some People Got Rich During The Great Depression. You Need To Learn This FastLong story short, too much credit was being extended to people and businesses to the point that the amount of credit given exceeded the available cash in the economy.

It was only a matter of time before companies and individuals alike could no longer afford to pay their credit bills.

This resulted in a complete collapse of the banking industry and the housing market.

Those who had liquid cash available, however, took advantage of the collapse in prices. They began buying up companies, property, and homes, and they also invested heavily in companies that were making in-demand products.

A few years later when the stock prices of these companies began to increase, and when the value of property and homes began to increase again, these people got rich… very rich.

How Can You Get Rich During a Future Depression?

So what’s the lesson to be learned here?

Simple: avoid becoming trapped in credit debt and start stashing cash away. The biggest trap you can find yourself in is to not have enough cash to help get you through an economic collapse because you’re spending too much on your monthly debt payments.

Related: 17 Forgotten Preservation Hacks that Will Save You…

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Three herbs recommended for kidney health

As a forager, I’ve always been fascinated to discover that certain herbs can not only prevent various health problems but also aid in their treatment. When it comes to kidney health issues, Bearberry, Nasturtium, and Stinging Nettle are among the most commonly used herbs due to their healing properties. These herbs have been utilized for centuries, and their use can be traced back to ancient times.

For example, Bearberry, also known as uva ursi, was employed by the Native Americans to treat urinary tract infections and other kidney-related problems.

Nettle has been used for medicinal purposes since the Bronze Age. In ancient Greece, it was utilized to treat kidney and urinary tract issues. Similarly, nasturtium has been used to treat urinary tract infections, and its recorded use goes back to the Incas, who used it to treat kidney problems.

These herbs have passed the test of time and are commonly used today for their remarkable healing properties. They are readily available and can be administered in various forms, such as teas, capsules, or extracts. Incorporating these herbs into your diet can help maintain healthy kidney function and prevent complications.

The kidneys are the cleansing organs of your body

The human body houses two kidneys situated on each side of the spine in the lower back region. These small yet powerful organs play a crucial role in maintaining your overall health and well-being by filtering out waste products and all the excess fluids from the bloodstream, which are then expelled in the form of urine.

With an oval shape similar to a bean, the kidneys are characterized by a smooth surface and a dark reddish-brown hue. The renal artery, which supplies the kidneys with blood, goes into the central part of the organ, while the ureter, a muscular tube, carries urine out of the kidneys and into the bladder for eventual expulsion from the body.

Apart from regulating our fluid and electrolyte balance, the kidneys perform a host of other vital functions, including producing hormones that help regulate blood pressure, stimulate the production of red blood cells, and even help us maintain strong bones. Given the critical role the kidneys play in our health, it’s essential to take care of them.

How the kidneys are structured

Located within the protective confines of the fibrous tissue pouch, the kidney is a complex organ comprising various structures that work in tandem to filter waste substances from the bloodstream. At the center of the kidney lies the renal pelvis, which is connected to several calyxes that collect and channel the waste products expelled by the organ.

The kidney is composed of a darker core matter and a lighter surface and is situated adjacent to the suprarenal gland. The organ is further shielded from damage by connective tissue that is thickened by fat.

The renal arteries, so named due to their proximity to the kidneys (ren in Latin), are responsible for supplying blood…

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Can Diesel Fuel be Used in a Kerosene Heater? Risks and Benefits

Kerosene is one of the most common and popular fuels around the world, and is regularly used in heaters, cooking appliances and more. Although it’s no longer quite as popular in North America as it used to be, it is still a reliable standby for various types of portable heaters.

kerosene heater

Every prepper, naturally, will want to keep a sizable stash of kerosene on hand to keep their heaters working, but what happens if you run out of kerosene?

Some folks say that it is possible to use diesel fuel as an alternate to kerosene in normal kerosene heaters. Is it true? Is it possible? Can diesel really be used in a kerosene heater?

Yes, diesel fuel can be used safely in a kerosene heater with just a little bit of isopropyl alcohol as an additive.

This is definitely great information to know since it provides you with more flexibility using the same appliance, whatever it is.

As it turns out, kerosene is really just a form of diesel fuel itself and that easily explains why common diesel fuel, also known as No.2 diesel, will still work in a kerosene heater.

Of course, there is plenty more you should know before you try this yourself, so keep reading and I’ll tell you all about it…

Why Burn Diesel in a Kerosene Heater at All?

The simplest answer is that you are simply out of kerosene fuel. Having alternate liquid fuel types for any sort of vehicle, tool or appliance is only a good thing when it comes to preparedness.

Just like how some generators can accept both gasoline and propane, or even additional fuels besides, it’s good to know you can rely on a diesel as a backup to your usual supply of kerosene.

Now, from a performance perspective, there’s no great reason to use diesel instead of kerosene.

Diesel does not put out quite as much heat as kerosene, although they are very close, and it tends to produce a little more odor and also burn up wicks quicker than kerosene.

But make no mistake, your heater will work normally and safely, and you’ll definitely stay warm!

Is it Safe to Use Diesel in an Indoor Kerosene Heater?

Yes, it is safe to use diesel in an indoor kerosene heater if the heater is otherwise used in a safe manner.

Diesel doesn’t make any given heater in any given environment more or less safe. Said another way, as long as you have taken all reasonable precautions to provide ventilation and prevent accidental fires, you can safely use diesel in your indoor kerosene heater.

But the reverse is also true. If you’re using your kerosene heater in an unsafe way, or operating it in an unsafe location or during times of heightened fire risk or with poor circulation, using diesel isn’t going to make it any safer…

Which Kind of Diesel Can Be Used to Replace Kerosene?

You can use common, garden variety…

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So, Is It Illegal To Collect Rainwater in Kentucky?

Kentucky is famous, or rather infamous, for its unpredictable weather, and when it rains it tends to pour. Naturally, that would make the Bluegrass State a wonderful place to have your own rain collection system.

kentucky flag

Raincatching is an ancient practice that is a great way to ensure you always have water coming in, even during a major disaster or grid down scenario. But, some states have serious restrictions on the activity.

Is Kentucky one of them? Is it illegal to collect rainwater in Kentucky?

No, it is not illegal to collect rainwater in Kentucky. The state has no specific laws or regs concerning it. However, rainwater collection must still follow all applicable state and local laws and codes.

Kentucky is, thankfully, one of the most relaxed states when it comes to rainwater collection, so you can rest assured that no matter where you are you’ll likely be able to install a system with no issues.

That said, there’s plenty more to learn so you can make an informed decision on the process. Keep reading and I will tell you all about it below…

Is Collection of Rainwater Illegal at the State Level in Kentucky?

No, it is not illegal to collect rainwater in Kentucky at the state level. Kentucky has no regulation against residents collecting rainwater for really any purposes.

In fact, Kentucky encourages and supports rainwater harvesting among the citizenry as it can help save water during times of drought, and reduce stormwater runoff.

However, the collection and use of rainwater must still abide by all applicable state laws, including those concerning water quality for consumption or other purposes.

Is Collection of Rainwater Illegal at the County Level?

No. As far as I could find, there are no counties that outright ban citizens from collecting rainwater.

However, it’s possible for individual counties and municipalities to implement their own requirements on rainwater harvesting, including permitting and codes for the installation of systems.

Some local laws may require water quality sampling, an inspection, or restrict the amount of water that may be collected.

It’s also important to note that your rainwater collection system must be in compliance with all local zoning ordinances and building codes.

So, make sure to check with your city or county government before starting any project- and definitely before you plunk down a ton of cash on tanks and components!

Although most counties likely don’t have any serious regulations, failure to obey can see you fined or charged. Don’t risk it!

Under What Conditions Can Citizens Collect Rainwater in Kentucky?

The Kentucky State Government permits citizens to collect rainwater for basically any purpose at any time, again so long as all state and local laws are being followed otherwise.

But once again, your local codes and laws might specify various regulations that could impact your collection operation or intended use.

Is There a Limit on How Much Rainwater You Can Collect in Kentucky?

No, not according to state law….

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Will No-Dig Work for Your Garden? – reThinkSurvival.com

No-dig gardening is exactly what it sounds like. Rather than tilling before planting a garden, you strategically build up rich layers of compost, manure and even cardboard to amend the soil. No-dig gardening — also called the no-till or no-plow method — stifles weeds, boosts biodiversity, prevents erosion and improves soil health. Here’s how to get started.

Deciding If No-Till Is Right for You

No-dig gardening is an excellent way to grow your own food without harming the surrounding ecosystem. In fact, 37% of conventional U.S. agriculture uses no-till methods. However, there are a few things to consider when deciding if you should plant a no-dig garden:

  • Time: The first year of no-dig gardening might have ups and downs — especially if the land is degraded. You may see lower yields and more weeds than usual for a while.
  • Location: If you live in a very cold or dry climate, you’ll have to work harder at growing a garden — whether no-till or traditional — than if you live in a mild, temperate growing zone with ample rainfall.
  • Supplies: You’ll need cardboard or newspapers, compost, manure and gardening soil. If you’re starting your garden in tall weeds, poor soil or a very rocky area, you’ll need many more of these supplies.
  • Patience: No-till gardening is more complicated than other tilling methods. You can’t just rip up the soil, throw in your seeds and forget about them. However, it offers bigger rewards and more opportunities to learn about ecology.

Layer After Layer

With no-dig gardening, you usually employ a layering system to build up and amend the soil. This method is sometimes called “lasagna gardening” in reference to the layers. Those levels are:

  1. Manure and lime if you’re creating a garden on top of grass. Use twigs as your first layer if starting your garden on a hard surface. If you’re gardening on soil, skip layer one.
  2. Cardboard or newspapers to block the light and stifle weeds.
  3. Compost or food waste.
  4. Manure or a manure-compost mix.
  5. Straw.
  6. Manure or a manure-compost mix.
  7. Straw.

It’s essential to have multiple layers to recreate the conditions where plants would grow in the wild, minus the pests, herbivores and unpredictable rainfall. You’ll essentially be growing your garden directly on a compost pile rather than creating a separate area for composting.

How to Start a No-Dig Garden

If you’re ready for a radical new gardening method to boost crop yields and restore a depleted landscape, put on your gloves and grab a shovel. It’s time to get to work.

1.    Prepare the Site

First, if the area you want to plant in is overgrown, start by cutting any weeds down at the base rather than digging them out. Since they may contain seeds, throwing them away is best rather than adding them to your compost mix. You can also construct a raised bed if you prefer your garden to be in a container.

2.   …

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