We love Ed & Ein from Cowboy Bebop
We just got back from our first Halloween in two years!
There were hundreds of kids roaming around our neighborhood having a wonderful time. The weather was nice & cool. Candy, chocolates, and cool drinks were being passed around.
Lots of Anya & Yor Forgers, Nezukos, some Genshin kids, Spider-Men, Ghosts, Tarkovs, and a couple of zombies to boot. Cosplay is a big deal over here.
There were even some wonderful people giving away free pork barbecue on a stick, popcorn, and ice cream to everyone!
Some whole areas were preparing more than a few house parties for the little ones.
From a survivor's point of view, seeing carefree and happy children is the greatest reward and defiance against a pandemic finally on its heels.
*****
What have we been up to?
PANDEMIC IN RETROSPECT
The worst seems to be over. The virus has been far less lethal with each passing month since Omicron first appeared. We are still on-guard. We dine indoors now with absolute confidence. Its been two years now and none of us have gotten the bug.
The hardest part was keeping our seniors mentally healthy and free from the awful fake news spreading over social media.
I am extremely lucky and grateful for it. Some very close friends had suffered great losses to their families.
What worked for us? Outdoor gatherings were the best. We avoided close-in gatherings and large amusement parks. Hospitals from 2020 to late 2021 were to be avoided. Staying healthy by eating well and home exercise were our MVPs.
I even managed to finish a few of the games in my Steam library that had gone unplayed for years. Mental health is 🔑.
PRACTICAL SHOOTING
We have been intensifying our practical shooting training all year. I can't believe we've been going non-stop since January.
We even got to shoot and win some awards at the USPSA 2021 Oregon State Championship in Bend and hang out at the Route 66 Shooting Sports Park in San Bernardino, CA in 2022.
There is an ongoing crisis for reloading components, particularly with the cost and supply of primers. They cost more than 3x than what they did in early 2020!
The US ammo shortage is the primary culprit but I am very sure that a few big players in the country are also hoarding them and exacerbating the situation for their own benefit. Vile scumbags.
OUR FIRST DRONE: THE DJI MINI 2
We bought it when the drone was newly released in December 2020. Just in time for the pandemic lockdown.
Having a drone opens up a new dimension of options for survival. For one thing, it fits in my go-bag very easily. Being able to fly over anything and do so unobserved is a dream come true. Its also incredibly easy to fly.
There were a few instances of house fires near our residence in the past two years. We launched little Dronie upon hearing the sound of fire truck sirens and got a lot of useful intel.
For reconnaissance, nothing beats having a pocket sized aircraft. This is one of the very best things a survivalist can add to their kit.
Its versatility is off the charts. Go get one already.
CRYE JPC, BATTLE BELT, QORE ICEPLATE, Etc.
I've refined the loadout of my plate carrier and battle belt. The now-venerable Crye JPC is still the gold standard and I have not made significant changes to its configuration even after rolling in the dirt with it for several occasions this year.
We had a few live-fire sessions at our new range and I am very happy with its overall weight distribution.
Even in full kit I am almost as nimble as I need to be. The Qore Performance Iceplate served me well in the hot sun. I didn't freeze it but I was noticeably cooler even if the water turned lukewarm in less than an hour. I think it still prevents overheating even with regular water.
We have been using locally-made smoke grenades and I am satisfied with their performance. Having one or two of them on your kit can definitely come in handy. Stay tuned for a full review!
VANQUEST IBEX 26
This is one of my best scores of the year. I purchased this at the closeout section of Forged Philippines at 50% off. The value of this backpack even at full price is out of this world.
The hallmark of modern backpack is ease of accessibility.
The Ibex is a clamshell-style opener. I can't count how many times Ive quickly grabbed my gear in mere seconds. I marvel at this feature every single time. Its got side compartments and loops galore without looking too tactical.
The internal compartment is roomy and Vanquest has modular cubes that you may attach nearly anywhere inside by hook & loop or molle to suit any mission.
It has a plastic insert to hold its ergonomics together. Combined with the kidney strap, this feels half as heavy on your back.
I use this primarily to hold my go-gear, or as an assault pack. Things that will sustain me for 3-4 days while Im off doing something very important.
Did I say that this thing was built tough? I mean its also Mordor-and-back durable. 1k Cordura in structural places, and 500 for the rest.
More details to follow.
NEW FIREARMS
Buying a gun in the Philippines is a very deliberate and un-spontaneous event, thanks to our onerous gun laws. That being said, we have acquired a second 9mm 1911 to compliment my daughter's competition gear. She now has two of them and I think its a brilliant firearm.
We are also expecting to receive our first Pistol Caliber Carbine PCC very soon.
It is her firearm too. A partner if you will to my AR15. Practically the same manual of arms except in 9mm.
We went with the "buy once cry once" route this time around.
*****
To our Doctors, Nurses, volunteers and Medical Professionals
If there is anything I could take away from this whole experience is that it takes a community to survive big calamities.
From Taal Volcano's eruption, to Covid-19, and the various environmental calamities that came along, people helping each other is what really carries the day.
For the doctors, nurses, and medical staff who risked it all to save others. You have my sincerest gratitude. How does one say "thank you" to people who have seen it all? Perhaps we can learn a thing or two from their selflessness.
Stay Vigilant!
