• Watch for Black Ice.  It's a killer and can sneak up on you before you know it.  Black ice typically forms when the road surface has been wet and temperatures just start to reach freezing.  The ice tends to be a little wet on the surface which makes it super slick.  You should never drive on black ice, period.  If the temperature is close to freezing, the road surface looks wet, but you see no mist coming from passing cars, then you are driving on black ice.
• Bridges freeze before the rest of the road surface.  This is true of overpasses and underpasses.  Whenever you approach a bridge you should let off the accelerator and coast through to the other side. If you are crossing a long bridge then ease off the accelerator a little and use extra caution. Having your foot on the accelerator could cause you spin out when your drive tires make contact with the ice.
• Look for ice forming on the corners of your windshield and the backs of your mirrors.  This is where ice will typically start to form on your vehicle.  This can help give you an indication of what the road surface is like.
• Install a thermometer to gauge outside temperature if your vehicle is not already equipped with one. 
• Reduce speed.  How much you reduce your speed depends on your vehicle size, type, design, the kind of tires you have, and road conditions.  Do not overdrive your ability to stop within a safe distance.  Most accidents happen due to excessive speed for the conditions.
• Increase Following Distance.  Do not follow close to other traffic
• Keep both hands on the wheel and eliminate any distractions; radio, cell phones, etc...
• Watch and pay attention to road signs.
• Carry chains or traction tires or devices.  Use them when recommended by your states DOT or if the weather conditions warrant use.
• If you don't have to drive, then DON'T.  Stay home to live another day.

Be Safe and keep the sunny side up.  Don't end up like this guy! 

There are a few different ways to make meatloaf balls out there.  The way I do it is a little different from your basic recipe, but tastes delicious.  Keep in mind, if you prefer the traditional way, then please do that way.

Get the recipe here...  

When thinking of becoming self-reliant, the question arises "how much land do I need to be able to sustainably grow enough food for my family?" The exact answer to that question depends on several factors, but you can learn a lot, and make a pretty good estimate, by looking at the extremes of land use.

Lets start first off with the almost magical dream of the pure hunter/gatherer. The shit hits the fan and you take your rifle and a few supplies and head out to the wilderness to live off the land. Just how much land does it take to support you without destroying all the wildlife and plant populations? How much area do you need in order live sustainably as a hunter/gatherer?

Since there are so few actual hunter/gathers left alive on the planet we will turn to anthropological data. The quick and easy answer is that traditional peoples used on average, about 10 square miles per person. 10 square miles is 6,400 acres - that is for one person. There are numerous studies and authors that cite this number and one of the most accessible is Jared Diamond author of the popular title Collapse: How Societies Choose To Fail or Succeed. Another excellent source is Tending The Wild: Native American Knowledge and the Management of California's Natural Resources.  California's lushest landscape was able to support up to 1.5 people per square mile on the rich coast of the Santa Barbara channel, and 1 person per 12.5 sq. miles in the desert regions.

OK, so you won't be going that primitive. What about you growing your own food in gardens, food plots, orchards, livestock, and perhaps a bit of hunting? Small scale agriculture is definitely the way to go for most people. So how much land are you going to need for that?

The research to the answer to that question was started back in the 70's by a man named John Jeavons. The "Bio-Intensive" method Jeavons developed has been implemented worldwide to alleviate hunger and malnutrition. Jeavons has a model for a vegetarian diet and the short answer is summarized as approximately 8,000 sq.ft. for a complete diet for one person (you need 4,000 sq/ft. of actual growing space and at least 4,000 sq.ft. for pathways and access). That is also assuming you have four growing seasons per year, and your harvest is 100% (no failures). For reference, an acre is 43,560 sq.ft. So in a more southern climate, you could theoretically support about 5 people per acre. But life is never that perfect. My personal experience is that 2 acres in a mild temperate region will completely wear you out and is enough room to comfortably support a family of four with a variety of food sources such as gardens, orchards, small livestock, and wild crafting. You can still do a lot in less area, and of course, everyone always wants more.

"Grow your own Groceries" DVD's

But don't forget, even if you live in an apartment, there is a lot you can do.  The most important thing is to get started. 

Marjory Wildcraft is a leader in the self-reliance / prepper movement. She is a regular guest on national radio shows, TV, and print. She is the creator of the video series "Grow Your Own Groceries" available at www.GrowYourOwnGroceries.com.