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Sat. June 13, 2026 – non-prepping hobby day

By on June 13th, 2026 in culture, decline and fall, march to war, personal

Wet, but hopefully mostly clear. We got some rain yesterday. Some places got a LOT of rain yesterday. And in true Houston fashion, some got none. I’m hoping it moved through, as it was pretty nice last night.

Slept in a bit yesterday, then did some internet and office stuff, before venturing out to do two pickups. Unfortunately they were in opposite directions, so I wasn’t very efficient about it. Still, it’s done. Weird not to have a bunch of pickups.

Today will be more recovery from being out of town, but first I’ll have my monthly meeting. And it will be in a temporary space as no one made any decisions about our choices while I was gone. I’m about to withdraw myself from the process entirely.

This afternoon will probably involve yard work. After I put new carbs on the string trimmers, after getting my mail from the neighbors. There might even be some work on vehicles. Who knows besides The Shadow ™?

Some prepping is likely to happen too, if I’m not careful.

Maybe even some more stacking.

nick

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Fri. June 12, 2026 – home again, and glad

By on June 12th, 2026 in culture, decline and fall, march to war, personal

Hot, humid, sunny, some clouds. At least I’m guessing that is today, based on late yesterday’s weather. The weather in the Caribbean was nicer.

So yesterday was a travel day, and that meant mostly a sitting around the airport day. We didn’t want to rush in the morning, but didn’t have a good plan for what to do with the day, so we ended up sitting and reading at the airport. The issue was mainly what to do with our luggage if we wanted to do something. Dragging it around with us was not a real option. And the kids were tired of moving around. Naturally, after being at the airport for hours, our flight was delayed by a leaking hose… Did get home only an hour or two late.

Today will be a start to catching up with all the stuff I missed and put off by not being here. That’ll be super fun times…

Followed by more adjustments to the stacks. Several people mentioned after yesterday’s post that they stopped worrying about it since they had no control over what happens. While it’s true we can’t control the events, we can control our reaction to them and the impact they have on us. THAT is why we prep. And stack.

nick

Read the comments: 49 Comments

Thur. June 11, 2026 – Stub number five (is alive)

By on June 11th, 2026 in culture, decline and fall, march to war, open thread, personal, prepping

More mild and windy days… or anyway that’s what they’ll probably get here. Yesterday was nice, with some sun, but a lot of overcast to keep the heat down.

Played games with W and mom, mini golf with the kinder… ate good food.

Today is kind of up in the air, and will take some juggling. The easiest solution is the most boring and tedious but we might just be up for it.

The question was asked, “Stack what?” The short answer is “everything” but of course that’s not a GOOD answer. I think that having enough of all the daily life stuff to stay home for a couple of months (I probably have 6 months) is about the best you could do on a normal budget, with a normal life. That covers most any normal threat, and eases the way into any ‘new normal’ from an extraordinary threat. Having spares for critical items should be a priority, and the ability to supply at least some quantity of the infrastructure you rely on is also a priority.

Average age here clearly influences both desire and ability to prepare. Everyone will have their own timeline. I just want to get through the massive world wide disruption that I believe has already started, and set my kids up to succeed in whatever comes next. I figure I have 20 decent years, and 10 after that with reduced capacity if things go well for me.

I ask myself what I’d have done in 1932 if I could go back from 1945, and then I see what the equivalent would be today. Out of any money shenannigans. Into goods and crucial services. War is always good for some people and companies, the question is which ones. Food never goes amiss. Imports vanish and simple things become luxuries. Having money means having options. Your neighbors will save you, or destroy you. Choose them wisely. Be neither the first, nor the last to act. If you think you should, it is probably too late so set some trigger points ahead of time.

Stack something that will give you options and prevent acting out of desperation.

nick

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Wed. June 10, 2026 – Stub number four (and counting)

By on June 10th, 2026 in culture, decline and fall, open thread, personal

Yesterday was windy, mostly cloudy, and moderately hot. Very humid at sea level. Today is supposed to be the same with a small possibility of rain early. We’ll see. BTW, I didn’t cause an earthquake the other day, nor did my momma….

Had a nice day yesterday with a fun activity, good food, and an afternoon nap. Then more food and a comedy show that was actually pretty funny.

Today should be low key, with a technical tour in the morning, and the rest of the day to relax and chill. If the weather is mild, that’ll be a nice bonus.

I hope everyone is enjoying the good old days.

And stacking. Y’all better be stacking.

nick

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Tues. June 9, 2026 – Stub number three

By on June 9th, 2026 in culture, decline and fall, open thread, personal

Mumble mumble mumble— weather is goofy all over. Nice here though. Sunny, humid, and hot. I can only hope my house and the BOL came through any storms without damage. We’ll get home when we get home.

Spent the morning shopping in the tourist trap. Kid bought a necklace she’s very happy with. I passed on everything. No cerveza sin alcohol to be had either. 10 years ago no one here had heard of it, now they know it but don’t stock it. Change.

Today it’s a bit more fun in the sun with a snorkeling trip involving small boats and getting in the water. We’ll see how that goes for me this time.

Then it will be more good food and maybe some more time talking with my mom. We did play a card game with W and D2 yesterday after dinner. Memories….

Stack up the good times. I’ve a feeling we’ll need them.

nick

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Mon. June 8, 2026 – Stub number two

By on June 8th, 2026 in open thread

Well, we’re supposed to get good weather. Yesterday had a little rain in the morning but it cleared and the sun was a laser burning my flesh by the afternoon. Today should be the same.

Didn’t do much more than read, sleep, and eat. Chatted with my mom a bit. Hope to do some more today.

Today has a beach visit scheduled. I will probably not enjoy that much, but the kids will, so I’ll go along.

I’m sure that by the time I settle into this trip it’ll be time to head home. That’s the nature of the beast.

Stack it up, as there is still time. If you need any reason, hurricane season will be getting underway. Now so will I.

nick

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Sun. June 7, 2026 – Stub number one

By on June 7th, 2026 in open thread

Weather is beautiful here. Not at all beautiful in Houston. No idea if it’s having any direct impact on my stuff. Eventually we’ll find out. Nothing I can do from here.

Had a travel day, ending in an arrived where we were going day. It’s nice so far.

Looks like I will probably be able to open the door and turn the lights on most days but I’ll leave the stubs in place just in case.

Stack! you know I’d want you to.

nick

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Sat. June 6, 2026 – RBT’s birthday, so spend some time remembering friends

By on June 6th, 2026 in culture, decline and fall, march to war, personal

Warm and humid here in FL. Maybe a bit cooler than usual for this time of year? Hard for me to know, as I can’t remember last year when we were here.

Spent the day recovering. I hurt my neck on one of the coasters and I think that is making me feel ‘weird’. I’ll know better today.

Today we move to the next part of our trip. We’ve got a 1pm appointment so it’ll be re-packing and driving for a bit.

I’ve got solid, if not blindingly fast, internet so I’ll get the next 5 days stubbed out for the site. If I have time. It was too late and I was feeling too weird last night to be sure I’d get all the times right.

———
Take some time today to remember our absent friends. Anniversaries are a good time to spend a little extra effort.

And maybe do a little something extra today, be it a prep, something with computers or science, or astronomy… keep the spirit alive.

nick

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Fri. June 5, 2026 – splitting the party today

By on June 5th, 2026 in culture, decline and fall, march to war, personal

Another typical Florida June day, except possibly cooler and less wet than normal. Frankly the overcast is nice if you are outside at a park or elsewhere as it is much more comfortable. Without the June showers it gets pretty hot in the afternoon.

Did a summary of yesterday in the comments.

Today is a recovery day. W and the Ds will be trying for some beach time, and I’ll be sleeping in and relaxing.

Maybe I’ll post more today, later.

Until then, stack something. The sportiness isn’t going away. If they can’t get what they want by cheating, they’ll try to get it by force.

nick

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Thur. June 4, 2026 – Fun, fun, fun…

By on June 4th, 2026 in culture, decline and fall, personal

85F, overcast, windy, but no more humid than the Gulf coast normally is. That was yesterday, and hopefully today. Theme parks in the broiling sun are no fun, and if the wind gets too strong, they shut down rides.

We had a nice day yesterday. Pretty calm and relaxed,with the second half in airconditioning…

Today we’ll be outdoors a lot. I’m hoping for Goldilocks conditions again. I haven’t been to this park in at least 25 years, so we’ll see how we like it. Then it’s moving to another city for a couple of days. It’s going to be a long day today.

I wouldn’t say I’m having fun, but I am enjoying most of it. The kids surprised me at the museum, so I’m learning and growing… and that’s a good thing.

Stack.

nick

Read the comments: 59 Comments