This week I did something that was brand new for me. Video has never really been my medium, but I was invited to take part in a documentary series that sounded really interesting. It's called Endgame and it's about the ongoing social decline in the United States.

I was told I'd have the opportunity to reach a lot of folks who are non-preppers and help them learn a little more about what prepping is all about. I think anything we can help new folks get better prepared benefits us all.

So despite my absolute newby-ness at being on camera, I agreed to film from the place I'm house-sitting here in Mexico. You can see that I even brushed my hair for the occasion. 😂

I always worry when engaging with the mainstream media. They often make it seem like preppers are crazy. Of course, I have no idea what the final edits will look like, but I was very impressed with the intelligent questions asked by the host. He really wanted the nitty-gritty and not in a "how do you filter your own pee and drink it" kind of way. He wanted truly actionable advice and I really hope that I was able to provide it. He set my nerves at ease right away and I felt like we had a really productive conversation.

When the documentary is released I'll let you guys know and tell you where to find it.

On a completely unrelated note, I've pretty much always hated seafood. No fish, no "bugs of the sea", no squid - land creatures only, thank you very much. Living on the coast has helped me to realize that at the very least fresh fish is absolutely delicious. I'm really glad to add this to my food repertoire because the less picky you are, the easier time you'll have of it at dinner when things are difficult and supplies are short.

I included a photo of some fish tacos and the most adorable restaurant I went to. I just love how Mexican architecture cobbles a whole bunch of stuff together to make lovely structures. It's even nicer when you can eat outside and enjoy a glorious sunset with your dinner.

MY FAVORITE ARTICLES OF THE WEEK

Hands down, the best article I've read this week on prepping comes from Pete Orndoff, who wrote How to Start Prepping for SHTF with What You Already Have for the website Mind4Survival.com. Pete and I have been friends on social media for quite some time now and this is the first article of his that I've read. It is absolutely filled with common-sense advice on how you don't have to go out and spend a fortune to be prepared and has actionable suggestions on how to use things you probably have lying around your house as survival gear.

On the other end of the spectrum, here's a fun video about some very uncommon prepping supplies, most of which I've never seen on any list, anywhere.

The saddest thing I read this week was this story about India. I have a good friend whose family is personally affected by this tragic turn of events and has lost a loved one as the Covid pandemic is utterly devastating the country and overwhelming the medical system. The question remains, why this wave is so incredibly deadly? Is it a particularly virulent mutation? Is it related to the vaccinations? Is it related to those not vaccinated? Nobody knows for sure but the country is truly suffering.

LOOKING FOR THE PERFECT MOTHER'S DAY PRESENT?

Mother's Day and gardening has always gone hand in hand in my family when the kiddos were home. What better way than to encourage enthusiastic child labor than ask your kids to help you in the garden for your gift?

Does your Mom love gardening and real food? Grab the perfect gift from my friends over at Seeds for Generations! They’ve got lots of great ideas for the gardening mother in your life, gifts that will keep growing throughout the year…long after Mother’s Day is over!

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My time in Mexico is drawing to a close and it's bittersweet. I've loved the almost-year I've spent living by the beach, soaking up the sun, learning a new language, and making forever friends.

I'm spending my last bit of time here taking care of things that would cost a whole lot more in the United States. I had some doctor's appointments, a physical (haven't had one in YEARS), and a dentist appointment coming up this week.

My dogs aren't due for their checkups and shots for a couple more months, but I can get both of them taken care of for under $50 here so I'm going to get their vet appointments done also.

I'm also getting a new windshield for my Jeep (an unfortunate incident with a rock) and a few other repairs that would cost 4-5x as much stateside. Unfortunately, I had some automotive trouble when I arrived here. Fortunately, I met a fantastic mechanic I really trust. Having worked in the automotive service industry for a decade, I know what a treasure a great mechanic is.

I was also able to stock up on a few medications to save myself a trip to the doctor for refills for the first little while when I am stateside again. I'm sure I'll die of sticker shock when I get back.

While these may not sound extremely prepperly, I think the savings, making certain my health is good, and getting any issues dealt with at a bargain price is extremely worthwhile and will save me effort, money, and stress.

Regardless of where you are, I strongly advise you to get any lingering health issues looked at and get them treated. Things don't seem to be getting any easier, and we need to be in good shape to face the potentially tough times ahead.

During the time of peas and asparagus, all the way through until pumpkins are piled on my front porch, you can munch your way through all the good things coming to harvest. And not only that – you can put some of it back for winter, too. Through freezing, dehydrating, and canning, you can get your fruits and veggies all year round from the summer farmer’s market or your own backyard.

Here's what my family eats and how we preserve it. This PDF book is only $5.49 and your purchase helps support The Organic Prepper website.