Bushcraft - Central Texas Style - Natural Defenses

Nature really doesn’t care if you survive or not. Nature will also do its best to make sure you don’t if you aren’t paying close attention. That’s why it is important to study the creatures in Nature to see what surprises Nature has waiting for you. Even the smallest of creatures can give you valuable insight into the mysterious things that can happen everyday in our natural environment. One such creature that can teach us a valuable lesson for survival is the green anole.

The green anole (Anolis carolinensis) is the only anole that is native to the United States. Most people in South Texas call these fence lizards but they are quite frequently seen in shrubs and on buildings. They are completely harmless and can easily change colors. Although they are not closely related to true chameleons, green anoles are often referred to as "chameleons" due to their ability to change color. The picture above shows a female green anole who was in close proximity to a male. The cranial crest is also quite apparent.

This diurnal lizard usually has a small territory that it claims as its own and will defend it very aggressively. If it senses the approach of an intruder, the male anole will compress its body, extend the dewlap (or throat fan) and bob its head up and down. This can be quite an intimidating display. It will also frequently chase other males out of its territory. Its color changes are actually brought on by changes in the temperature and the amount of available light. The picture above shows a male with his dewlap extended and a very prominent cranial crest. He did a little head bob for me while his picture was being taken. If you do happen to see two males in the same area, you’ll know very quickly as they will usually get into a little skirmish over their territory. 

Green anoles have the ability to change color among shades of green, brown and sometimes a grayish dark brown color. Unlike many of Nature’s creatures that rely on camouflage as a means of defense and protection, these color changes are not used specifically for defensive purposes. They rely mainly on their ability to run, jump and climb on a variety of surfaces with ease in order to escape predators. A change in color usually reflects a stressful situation or an attempt to communicate with others of its kind. Green anoles are normally a green color when everything is OK but they turn a light brown color if they are stressed by cooler temperatures or other conditions which may make them feel uncomfortable in their surroundings. The picture shown above is the same green anole after he decided to move on after his little display and his color (sort of a darkish brown) indicated that he was still a little stressed by my presence.

They are a very beneficial creature to have around since they consume a large number of insects and spiders. These lizards will also shed their skins several times a year and have the ability to regenerate their tail if lost when avoiding capture. This lizard is found in North America from North Carolina to Texas and as far South as Florida.

While they are a master of camouflage through their ability to change colors, these little lizards rely mainly on other skills to avoid predators in order to survive. They can run very fast, are extremely good jumpers and can easily climb a variety of surfaces. Even if you manage to grab hold of them, they will still probably manage to get away. This is Nature’s way of warning us that we shouldn’t rely on camouflage as our only means of protection and to remember that a few other skills may be needed in order to survive.

Studying Nature’s creatures can sometimes give you a different perspective when it comes to being able to survive and it will help you to realize that sometimes you need more than a little camouflage.

Staying above the water line!


Riverwalker

Bushcraft - Central Texas Style - Buffalo Gourd

Buffalo Gourd, Cucurbita foetidissima H.B.K., is a sun-loving and drought-resistant perennial that is a member of the squash family that thrives in poor soils. It grows wild in many parts of the country and is most often found in open pastures or along fence lines. It is frequently found in most areas of Central Texas.

The roots, stems, and leaves of the buffalo gourd were used for a variety of medicinal purposes by Native Americans and the seeds were considered an important food source in arid or dry regions of the country. The buffalo gourd is also known by several different names. It is also known as wild gourd, Missouri gourd, pumpkin gourd and stink gourd.

Buffalo gourd is normally found in pastures, growing along fence lines or alongside roadways.The vines or runners can be several yards in length.

Recognizing this plant is a fairly easy process. The leaves are 9 to 10 inches long and 6 to 8 inches wide and have a very rough texture. The leaves are roughly triangular in shape.

The flowers consist of five petals and are a bright yellow color. The flowers are normally about 4 inches in length. Both male and female flowers are found on the same plant. This condition is known as monoecious.

Unripened Fruit

Size Illustration

It produces small round gourds that are green with vertical off white stripes that are approximately 4 inches long. When the fruit is ripe, it turns a yellowish or light tan color. The seeds are the only part of the ripened fruit and plant that are edible. This is due to the high level of saponins that are found in buffalo gourds. There are significantly lower levels of saponins in domesticated squash and cucumbers.

The seeds were usually roasted and ground into a meal that was mixed with water to make a sort of mush. The seeds were sometimes boiled and then eaten. The seeds contain about a 25 % fat content and are also quite high in their protein content.

The roots of the buffalo gourd are also rich in saponins. The root and the outer shell of the fruit contain high enough concentrations of saponins that they were quite often used as soap.

The root was known to have astringent and disinfectant properties and was quite often used to treat sores or boils.

Due to their tough outer skins, the gourds were often made into spoons or ladles or used for ceremonial purposes in the making of rattles or decorative containers.                                   

Got gourds?

Staying above the water line!

Riverwalker

Survival Essentials - A Sense of Humor

Sometimes if you find yourself in a bad situation, your emotions can work to hinder your efforts at survival. This is where having a good sense of humor will benefit you. It’s one of those intangible things that you can keep in your survival kit. It doesn’t weigh anything and won’t take up any space but will help to keep your spirits up when things aren’t going your way.

A sense of humor will help prevent you from getting depressed and losing hope. It can help you maintain a positive attitude about your survival. It's one of the easiest ways to handle the mental stress of survival. Sometimes you have to lighten things up a little and one of the best ways to do that is with a good sense of humor.

So the next time you find yourself lost in the wilderness, just tell yourself “I’m not really lost. They just haven’t found me yet and everything will be OK because I had a big breakfast three days ago.”

Got a sense of humor for survival?

Staying above the water line!

Riverwalker

Riverwalker’s Pics - Masters of Camouflage - Part 2

Sometimes you need to take a closer look to see the creatures in nature. They can quite often be hidden by the leaf of a vine or a few blades of grass and will be virtually invisible. By taking a closer look, sometimes things are a little clearer. Many creatures rely on the fact that you don’t take the time to focus on your surroundings.

Here is a close-up of a baby bunny that was hidden by some blades of grass that were only a few inches tall. This baby bunny was small enough to fit in the palm of your hand and its ears were smaller than the blades of grass it was hiding in to avoid detection. A fairly extreme close-up was required to get a good view of this “itty-bitty” bunny which was hidden in the grass. Viewed from one perspective it was very hard to see but by taking a second look with a different point of view it was easier to discern its presence.

Got a different viewpoint?

Disclaimer: No baby bunnies were harmed in taking these pictures. Lil' RW would have been real upset if someone had messed with his baby bunny.

Staying above the water line!

Riverwalker

Riverwalker’s Pics - Masters of Camouflage

Many of nature’s creatures are masters of camouflage. This includes many creatures that are quite dangerous but it also includes the ones that are quite helpless and pose no threat to you or your survival. Many times the more vulnerable a creature is; the better they are able to disguise themselves in their natural surroundings.

Test your powers of observation.

Do you see what I see?

Staying above the water line!

Riverwalker

Survival Semantics - The Blanket

Numerous sayings have come about in order to give us simple reminders about what we need to do in order to survive. There are many simple mistakes that can put you in a life-threatening situation. Simple sayings that act as a reminder of the proper course of action will enable you to avoid these mistakes and be a survivor.

Mother Nature’s survival course will teach you some very hard lessons and quite often you don’t get a chance to re-take the course. One of the most dangerous things that can affect your survival is hypothermia. Even a small change in your body’s core temperature will put your survival at serious risk.

There is a simple saying that can help you remember the importance of maintaining your body’s temperature in order to avoid suffering from the life-threatening effects of hypothermia. Whether it’s a tarp, a blanket or some other form of ground cover, you will need to prevent heat loss from your body to avoid the effects of hypothermia.

In order to increase your chances of survival, remember this simple saying about the importance of protecting your body from heat loss and the need to avoid hypothermia.

“One on the bottom is worth two on the top.”

Got survival saying?

Staying above the water line!

Riverwalker

Survival Gear Bags - Important Qualities for a Gear Bag

One of the primary requirements for your survival gear is storage. Storage that is portable is even better. A good gear bag will allow you to carry  your gear so that it will be available when needed. You will want to have the best gear bag possible to store items you may need for your survival and it must function well in several critical areas.

Qualities Needed for a Gear Bag.

1. A gear bag should be constructed of a durable material that will not be easily ripped of torn. This will prevent the loss of needed items. It should also be water-resistant to give your gear an additional measure of protection from the weather.

2. A gear bag should have good quality, heavy duty zippers. Pockets or compartments with broken zippers won’t keep much of anything stored securely or may hinder access when items are needed if the zipper gets stuck.

3. A gear bag should have both a handle and a shoulder strap to give you different options for carrying your gear bag. The shoulder strap should also be detachable to allow it to be used for other purposes when needed.

4. A gear bag should have multiple compartments in a variety of sizes. This will allow it to accommodate the different size gear you may need to carry. This should also include a flat pocket to store maps, contact information, first aid instructions, etc. that allows quick and easy access to needed information without the need to unpack your gear.

5. A gear bag should also have a main storage compartment of a size that will fit larger items of gear you may be planning to carry.   

Gear bags also come in a combination of types that include:

A. Soft-sided gear bag - This allows the gear bag to conform more easily to the storage space that may be available when not in use or if storage space becomes critical.

B. Hard bottom gear bag - This type of gear bag will normally have a hard and durable bottom section that affords an additional measure of protection for your gear. This is especially desirable if its primary use will be in an outdoor environment.

A gear bag that is durable, offers good storage options, has the necessary qualities to protect your gear while still allowing quick and easy access and in a size that will accommodate your needed items will be a critical factor in a crisis or a disaster.

Got gear bag?

Staying above the water line!

Riverwalker

Simple Survival Tips - Colorful Creatures

There are numerous colorful creatures that exist in nature. In many cases, bright colors in nature signify danger. Many brightly colored bugs are either poisonous or can taste extremely bad. The bright colors are often used as a signal to predators that proclaims ”Eat me and you will die!” 
It’s usually best to avoid these colorful creatures when possible.

There are also brightly colored bugs which are not poisonous or that do not taste bad and quite often use this simple ruse as a defense against predators or to help them attract mates.

Got colorful creatures?

Staying above the water line!

Riverwalker

Survival Semantics - The Backup

There are numerous sayings that relate to survival. Most are just simple reminders of the different things that can affect your ability to survive. These simple sayings are designed to relay an important message about actions that will increase your chances of surviving a crisis or a disaster.

One of the most popular survival sayings relates to the importance of having a backup. There are times when your plans, gear or other needed items will become lost, misplaced, broken or simply fail to work. Stuff happens and usually at the worst time possible. This is where having a backup will make a huge difference. Having a backup can be a real lifesaver in a bad situation.

In order to increase your chances of survival, remember this simple saying about the importance and need for a backup.

“Two is one and one is none.”

Got survival saying?

Staying above the water line!

Riverwalker

Riverwalker's Pics - Nature vs. Technology

In the struggle of Nature vs. Technology, guess who will eventually win the battle?


Got natural reclamation project?


Staying above the water line!


Riverwalker

DIY First Aid Kit - Protecting and Organizing Your Kit

Having your own home-made first aid kit allows you to include a lot of additional items for use in an emergency. This is an most important aspect of making your own first aid kit. To make it even more useful, you can take a few additional steps to make it even better in case you have an emergency.

In most emergencies, time is of the essence and anything you can do to save a little time will be extremely important. One of the best ways to save time is to keep your first aid kit organized. While using a coupon organizer  is great for the flat items such as bandages and splints, there are numerous other items that need to be protected and organized as well.

One of the most effective and efficient means of organizing and protecting those other needed items can be achieved quite simply. By using a small water-proof tackle box, you can get your first aid items organized and also give them additional protection. The compartments are ideal for storing cream medications in tubes, eye wash, etc. It will also protect your other first aid items should  a tube of cream or a small bottle of liquid develop a leak. In addition, if it gets dropped in the water or exposed to a heavy rain it will not ruin your day. They will even float!

Another plus for using the water-proof tackle boxes is that you can organize everything where it is readily and easily accessible in an emergency. This will save you time in an emergency.

Got organized protection for your DIY first aid kit?

Staying above the water line!

Riverwalker

Survival Characteristics

These are some random thoughts about the different characteristics that a survivor will possess to varying degrees. Many of these characteristics are a part of their everyday lives and activities. They can be a determining factor in the ability to survive when your survival is threatened.

1.)  The Proper Mindset:

Survivors have the proper mindset. Survivors are able to see the reality of a situation when something bad happens and act accordingly. They are able to use good judgment, sound reasoning and common sense when dealing with any threat to their survival.

2.) Independent: 

Survivors are independent. Survivors readily accept the challenge of anything that threatens their survival and realize they may have to face that challenge alone.

3.) Innovative:

Survivors are innovative. Survivors will use any and all means available to them to deal with a situation that threatens their survival. Survivors will find a way to make whatever they need from whatever they have available.

4.) Resourceful:

 Survivors keep trying until they find a solution to the problem. They view everything as a resource that can be used for their survival.

5.) Self-reliant:

Survivors know they may find themselves in a situation where they may have to rely on their own skills and abilities to survive.

6.) Confident:

Survivors have confidence in their knowledge, skills and abilities. They know they have the ability to survive.

7.) Adapt:

Survivors feel secure in their ability to adapt to changing conditions in order to survive.

8.) Improvise:

Survivors seek to improvise a solution to their problems when their survival is threatened.

9.) Leadership:

Survivors are the leaders. They will find the path that will allow them to survive.

10.) Determination:

Survivors are determined. Survivors never quit because they realize that when it comes to their survival...losing is not an option.

Got survival characteristics?

Staying above the water line!

Riverwalker

DIY First Aid Kit - Organizing Your Storage

When assembling your own DIY first aid kit, you will probably be including a lot more items than comes in a standard first aid kit. This is one of the main advantages of putting together your own DIY First Aid Kit. These extra items also mean you will need to be a little more organized in how these extra items are stored in your kit.

Having a well organized first aid kit will allow you to access a needed item a lot quicker. In a medical emergency, even a minor one, you will need to be able to get to those needed items quickly and easily in order to treat any problems as soon as possible.

In a good DIY first aid kit you will probably have a lot more bandages than normal. Moleskin, gauze pads in a variety of sizes, small splints and band-aids of all types can be easily stored in a very organized manner that will allow you quick and easy access to whatever is needed with a simple gear addition.

By using a coupon organizer pouch, you can store individual items separately in the same place that will also offer you extra portability and quick access. If you are a coupon user, you probably already have an extra coupon organizer pouch just lying around the house that could be put to use in organizing your DIY first aid kit storage. Most any item in your first aid kit that is flat can then be stored easily and in an organized manner. If you store your bandages, gauze pads, etc. in small zip lock bags you will also keep them safe from moisture and humidity. Most coupon organizer pouches are small and lightweight and won’t add a significant amount of weight to your DIY First Aid Kit.

Got coupon organizer pouch for your DIY first aid kit?

Staying above the water line!

Riverwalker

Simple Survival Tips - Plant Based Bug Repellants

Sometimes the creatures in nature can cause you a lot of grief. This is especially true where mosquitoes and ticks are concerned. If you spend a lot of time outdoors, sooner or later you will have an encounter with these aggravating little critters.

While the majority of bug repellants contain DEET as their main ingredient, there are alternatives that are just as effective but less likely to cause the skin irritation that sometimes occurs with the prolonged use of bug repellants containing DEET. Many people are quite sensitive to a number of chemicals and may suffer skin irritation or other effects from the prolonged use of chemical based bug repellants.

The easiest way to avoid this problem is to use a plant based bug repellant. One of the best plant based bug repellants that RW, Jr. and myself have found is a eucalyptus plant based bug repellant. Although it has a limited effectiveness time-wise, it doesn’t seem to create the irritation problems that can occur from using chemical based bug repellants.

If you have sensitivity to certain chemicals, a plant based bug repellant makes a good alternative to help you avoid creating more problems while trying to avoid problems with mosquitoes and ticks.

My thanks to RW, Jr. for reminding me to pass this tip along to everyone.

Staying above the water line!

Riverwalker

Riverwalker's Pics - Empty Spaces

Nature quite often gives us a chance to view things in our world a little differently. 


Even empty spaces...


Got a different view?


Staying above the water line!


Riverwalker

Simple Survival Tips - Reducing Portable Generator Noise

Portable generators used to maintain your electrical power during a crisis or a disaster can be a really handy piece of equipment to have around. They can also become a nuisance to everyone in your immediate area, including yourself. Portable generators will also attract a lot of attention due to the noise levels that are generated along with the emergency power being created. If furnishing the entire neighborhood with emergency power may not be what you had in mind, you need to consider the different ways the noise levels generated by a portable generator can be reduced.

Like any problem you may encounter, you need to make sure you’re aware of the basic nature of the problem before you can find a workable solution. Noise is basically sound at a level that makes people uncomfortable. In a survival situation where you may need emergency power, the last thing you need to be doing is making your neighbors even more uncomfortable than they already are with a portable generator that is creating a lot of noise. In addition, it’s important to remember that the sounds we hear are in the form of vibrations and most any type of portable generator is going to produce a lot of vibrations (aka, lots of noise). Additionally, it’s important to remember that sound waves like to travel in a straight line.

Many generators have built-in features that help reduce their vibrations during operation and help them to run quieter. Some of these are also quite expensive and may not be practical for someone on a tight budget. Even the noise levels of budget priced portable generators can be reduced by taking a few additional extra steps when using your generator.

Here are some simple things you can do to reduce the noise output from your generator.

1.) Make sure to place your portable generator on as level a surface as possible. This will help to reduce the vibrations and thereby reduce the noise levels.

2.) Make sure to insulate your generator from hard surfaces by using thick carpeting with a rubber backing or a thick rubber mat of some sort to further reduce the vibrations.

3.) Make sure that all the bolts and connections on your generator are tight and that all rubber mounts are in good shape. Loose bolts and worn out rubber mounts will cause additional noise.

4.) Make sure your engine is properly maintained. A well maintained engine will run smother and create less vibrations. It will also use less fuel and give you longer running times during a power outage.

5.) Consider adapting your generator to use a larger muffler or replace the existing one with a better muffler, if available. Many portable generator mufflers are not very efficient at reducing engine noise levels.

6.) Take advantage of any type of natural sound barriers you may have available. Simple things like dense shrubbery can effectively block sound waves and help reduce noise levels. Remember not to restrict the area around your portable generator so that fresh air intake or exhaust is not hampered in any way.

Although you won’t be able to entirely eliminate the noise from your portable generator, you can make the noise levels a lot more tolerable and less disturbing to your neighbors.

Got bad vibes?

Staying above the water line!

Riverwalker

Survival Cache Gear - We Have A Winner

Congratulations to Ellen! Ellen has one the free gear giveaway and will be receiving an LED pocket-pliers™-multi-tool from Coast Products.

Ellen, please contact me at riverwalker_texas@yahhoo.com with your shipping address so that your free gear can be sent directly to you. Your information will remain confidential and only be used to ship your free gear item to you.

Here is Ellen’s TOP TEN ITEMS FOR A SURVIVAL CACHE:

 Ellen said...

1. water filter with cup
2. knife
3. duct tape
4. sewing kit
5. fishing kit 
6. fire starter/lighter 
7. small pot
8. freeze dried or dehydrated food
9. socks
10. mylar blanket
11. Multi-tool?

May 6, 2011 11:30 PM

It’s more than ten items but in a survival situation a few extra items can't hurt.

Congratulations once again to Ellen and thanks to everyone who left a comment! Everyone had some really great lists about what they would include in a survival cache.

Staying above the water line!

Riverwalker

Disabled People and Disaster Planning (DP2) - A Website Review by Shorty

After reviewing Disabled People and Disaster Planning (DP2) , here are my thoughts on this site. The information is broken down into short and easy to understand bullet statements. The links all seem to be leading to the information sited and are written in the same format. Suffice it to say that so far I like this site. It mainly applies to earthquakes but can be applied to other disasters as well. Simply replace the disaster with the one that affects your area. The main thing I like is that it is written and geared to get you to think. It causes you to employ your brain, which is your main survival tool. This is a critical part of the process no matter what the situation you may find yourself facing.

I have to say that a lot of thought and footwork went into putting this site together. I have looked in many places which I thought actually had workable information, only to find out that everything was theoretical and nothing was practical. However, this was a refreshing breath of air to look through such a site and while I have not had time to try everything I have worked with enough to realize this information will work IF seriously followed. I believe that it is very well written and because it is simply that well written and well researched, if followed. it will save lives, handicapped as well as non-handicapped.

Thanks to RW for suggesting this site for my review.

Learning to stand on my own!

Shorty

Note from RW: A creditable source of good information is always important when planning for any type of disaster.

Win Free Gear for Your Survival Cache

As mentioned in Preparing a Survival Cache, there are a lot of necessary items that should be included in a survival cache. A couple of the essential items that should be included as parts of your survival cache are a good multi-tool and a quality LED flashlight. Here’s a chance for you to win that needed gear for your survival cache.

Stealth Survival has teamed up with Coast Products and we’re offering you a chance to win a free LED Pocket Pliers Multi-tool. This LED pocket-pliers™-multi-tool includes an LED light in the handle, pliers, wire cutter, main knife blade, and file blade with wire stripper, flathead screwdriver, awl, small flathead screwdriver, can opener with screwdriver tip, Philips screwdriver and wire stripper, saw blade, and scissors. It’s constructed of 440C stainless steel with sure grip rubber handle inlays, spring loaded pliers head for easy one-handed operation and is only 4 inches long in the closed position. The LED light features a simple click for constant operation and uses only two (2) CR1220 batteries.

So how do you win this great piece of gear? Simply leave a comment on this post and list the TOP TEN ITEMS FOR A SURVIVAL CACHE that you consider the most important. That’s all you have to do. On May 10th, a winner will be chosen at random from the comments received and will be notified in an article posted that day. If you comment anonymously, please leave some form of name identifier in your comments. Sorry guys but you won’t get it in time for Mother’s Day (May 8th). You’ll need to get her something else!

If you win, you will have 72 hours to respond by email to riverwalker_texas@yahoo.com with shipping information so that your free gear can be sent to you. Your gear will then be shipped directly to you from Coast Products. Your information will remain confidential and will only be used in order to send you your free gear should you be chosen the winner.

Image Source:http://www.coastportland.com/led-pocket-pliers%E2%84%A2-multi-tool.htm

Special thanks to Tom Huntington and Coast Products for their help with this giveaway.

Staying above the water line!

Riverwalker

Mrs. RW’s Survival Cooking Tips - Tip #3 - Grilling Green Tomatoes

  

Fried green tomatoes are a traditional use for all those extra green tomatoes you may wind up with due to a bumper crop of tomatoes or if you get close to the end of your growing season. Don’t limit your options if this is the case. Green tomatoes can also be used in different recipes to prepare a number of very tasty items.

One of the easiest things you can do with green tomatoes is to cook them on your grill or smoker barrel. This will give you a great way to prepare all those extra green tomatoes. Simply core them and remove the pulp and seeds, stuff them with some cream cheese and then wrap them with bacon. Grill them until the tomatoes are tender and the bacon is slightly crispy. These make a great side dish for your meal or as an appetizer for those that can’t wait for the rest of the meal to be prepared. This is similar to the way jalapenos are quite frequently cooked.

Got grilled green tomatoes?

Staying above the water line!

Riverwalker

Real Life Survival - Experiences of a Disabled Prepper - The Support Group

Support groups work well for some people, but not so well for others and not very well for me personally. I can even see where it may be helpful for a group to get together to learn to prepare. This will help them strengthen their resources, as well as get the disabled out into the public more frequently. In my opinion, one of the things that causes the most problems is isolation.

 Disabled persons quite often want to keep from getting under foot. You may even find yourself feeling as if you have nothing to offer. In both cases, you find yourself isolated because you stay away from others. This creates a situation where the disabled person actually finds themselves dropping out of society. This is where a prepping group for disabled persons could be very empowering and may well create a situation for disabled persons to become more actively involved in society. If they find themselves starting to do things like volunteering in the community, this could possibly open up a whole new world for them.

My support group is me, my family, friends and some neighbors. I realized when my disability started to get worse that no one else was going to be standing in my shoes. This meant that I would have to pull myself up by my own boot straps. No one, including myself understood the true nature of what had happened in that mishap. Dealing with the day to day was my job and I tried to shoulder it, but the PTSD began to creep in and my body began to fail. In short I fell down and could not get up but I didn't ask for help. For a good long time my own brother watched and tried to help but even he didn’t have a clue as to what was going on, either. To make a long story short, I had to learn to lean on others and they had to be willing to let me fall on my own sometimes. In short, you can not be helped if you can not accept help when it’s offered.

I also believe that in society each community needs diversity of function as well as personnel. A group with only one type of training leaves big holes in what is possible from within that group. I also know that it is better to try with what you have than not try at all. The more diverse a group you have; the better opportunities for everyone that are available. That is what we are all after in life, whether normal or disabled, is a better opportunity.

My day to day activities are limited by speed. I know it sounds funny but I am very slow when I'm working out of my chair. When I’m around the house, I try to use only my cane because this helps to work on my leg strength and balance. Now when I'm out and about, I am usually in my chair and this speeds things up a great deal. My normal day is pretty much like everyone else's. The big difference is I'm retired and actually get to do what I want. Disruptions to the flow of my day can and often are detrimental to what ever I was doing. Since I am so slow, disruptions mean that something doesn't get done. If that something is critical then, “Houston, we have a problem.” The stresses and strains that are felt by everyone else is felt by the disabled person as well.

One thing that I would like to say and I want to be very clear about this point. Everyone has a really bad day every once in a while but sometimes disabled persons have a really bad day every day. To understand my point, I want you to think about pain for a moment. The normal person walks around feeling pretty good every day and doesn’t give pain very much thought.  Now think about the worst pain you have ever had and picture it fluctuating. It stays constant, then it starts to throb, then it starts to run through your whole body. THIS is where the biggest misunderstandings about disabled persons comes from and creates the most problems. The average person simply can’t understand the concept of pain 24-7. It’s hard to imagine pain that never goes away and it’s a pain you never get used to no matter how hard you try.

So the next time you are dealing with a disabled person and they are being, well a butt, think about how you would feel if you were being kicked in the groin all day long. Now I'm not saying that every disabled person is like that. Some people are just plain ornery but the benefit of the doubt should be applied in most circumstances when dealing with disabled people to avoid misunderstandings. I am constantly amazed at how often I am apologizing for reacting to the pain and not reacting to what I should be when dealing with other people.

Thanks.

Shorty

Note from RW: Once again, I would like to offer my sincere thanks to Shorty.

Staying above the water line!

Riverwalker