Moonshine

Moonshine, also known as white lightning, hooch, or white whiskey, is a homemade or illicitly produced spirit, typically made from corn mash or grain mash. It gets its name from the fact that it was often produced at night by the light of the moon to avoid detection by authorities.

While moonshine production is illegal in many countries, it has a long history and cultural significance in the United States, particularly in the Appalachian region. It was a way for people to make their liquor during Prohibition when the production, sale, and transportation of alcohol were prohibited.

Despite its illegal status, moonshine has gained a certain level of notoriety and has even made its way into mainstream culture, with some distilleries producing legal versions of the spirit.

Part of a vintage Australian distillery used for the making of alcohol in the olden days

If you’re interested in making your moonshine, here’s a basic recipe and instructions:

Ingredients:

  • 8 pounds of cornmeal
  • 8 gallons of water
  • 16 pounds of sugar
  • Two packets of yeast (or 1/2 cup of homemade yeast)

Instructions:

  1. In a large pot, mix the cornmeal and water. Bring the mixture to a boil and then reduce the heat to low, stirring constantly.
  2. After about 20 minutes, the mixture should start to thicken. At this point, add the sugar and continue to stir until it is fully dissolved.
  3. Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature, then transfer it to a sizeable fermenting container (such as a food-grade plastic bucket or glass jar).
  4. Add the yeast to the mixture and stir well. Cover the container with a cloth or plastic wrap and secure it with a rubber band.
  5. Allow the mixture to ferment for at least a week, stirring it daily. The longer it ferments, the stronger the final product will be.
  6. Once the fermentation process is complete, it’s time to distill the moonshine. To do this, you’ll need a still. You can purchase a still or build your own using a large pot, a copper coil, and some essential equipment.
  7. Fill the pot with the fermented mixture and heat it over a low flame. As the mixture begins to boil, the alcohol will vaporize and travel through the copper coil.
  8. Collect the vapor in a separate container and allow it to cool. It will turn back into a liquid, your homemade moonshine, as it cools.
  9. Strain the moonshine through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth to remove any solids.
  10. Transfer the moonshine to a clean container (such as a mason jar) and seal it tightly. Store it in a cool, dark place until you’re ready to enjoy it.

Note: It’s important to note that moonshine production is illegal in many countries and can be dangerous if not done correctly. If you do decide to try making your own, be sure to use caution and follow all safety guidelines.

For entertainment and educational purposes only.

Smore Recipe for Campfire

Here’s a recipe for gourmet smores that you can make while camping:

Ingredients:

  • Graham crackers
  • Chocolate bars (choose your favorite kind)
  • Marshmallows
  • Bamboo skewers or sticks for roasting
  • Optional: Nutella, peanut butter, sliced fruit, caramel sauce, cookie butter, or other spreads and toppings

Instructions:

  1. Build a fire in your campsite or heat up your camp stove. If using a stove, you’ll need a pan or griddle to roast the marshmallows.
  2. Skewer a marshmallow and roast it over the fire or on the stove until it’s golden brown and gooey. If using a stove, you may need to use a kitchen torch to get the desired level of toasting.
  3. While the marshmallow is roasting, prepare your graham crackers and chocolate. Break the graham crackers into squares and place a chocolate bar on top of one of the squares.
  4. Once the marshmallow is roasted to your liking, place it on top of the chocolate and graham cracker square.
  5. Place another graham cracker square on top of the marshmallow to make a sandwich.
  6. Optional: Spread a layer of Nutella, peanut butter, cookie butter, or another spread over one of the graham cracker squares before assembling the smore. You can also add slices of fruit, such as strawberries or bananas, or drizzle with caramel sauce for an extra special treat.
  7. Enjoy your gourmet smores while they’re still warm!
food dawn sunset coffee

Being Nice are You

It was reasonable means consistently acting with kindness, compassion, and integrity. It means treating others with respect and consideration, even when it’s difficult or inconvenient. It means being honest, reliable, and responsible and standing up for your beliefs.

There are many virtues to being a good person. First and foremost, it brings joy and fulfillment to our own lives. When we act with kindness and compassion towards others, we feel a sense of satisfaction and happiness from making a positive difference in the world.

positive senior man in formal wear and eyeglasses hugging with young lady while sitting at table
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In addition to personal fulfillment, being a good person also has a ripple effect on those around us. When we are kind and compassionate towards others, we inspire them to be the same. You will create a chain reaction of positivity and can profoundly impact the world around us.

Being a good person also helps to build and strengthen relationships. When we act with integrity and treat others with respect, we earn the trust and respect of those around us. Leading to deeper and more meaningful connections and can help create a more positive and harmonious environment.

Furthermore, being a good person can also have practical benefits. For example, when we act with integrity and responsibility, we are more likely to be dependable, which can help us to build a positive reputation and open up new opportunities in life.

In conclusion, being a good person brings joy and fulfillment to our lives, positively impacts those around us, helps build and strengthen relationships, and can have practical benefits. These virtues make being a good person a valuable and essential aspect of life.

Hiking with Rattlesnakes Present

If you are hiking in an area where rattlesnakes are present, you must be aware of your surroundings and take steps to avoid a snake bit. However, if you get bitten by a rattlesnake, it is essential to know how to deal with the situation appropriately.

Creepy!

photo of a rattle snake
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Here are some steps you should take if you get bitten by a rattlesnake while hiking:

  1. Remain calm: Feeling panic or fear after being bitten by a venomous snake is natural, but try to stay as quiet as possible. Rapid movement or increased heart rate can cause venom to spread more quickly through your body.
  2. Seek medical attention: If you are in a remote area, call for emergency medical assistance as soon as possible. Call 911 or a local poison control center if you have a cell phone. If you do not have a cell phone, try to get to a hospital or medical clinic as soon as possible.
  3. Remove any tight clothing or jewelry: If the bite is on an extremity, such as your arm or leg, remove any tight clothing or jewelry that may constrict blood flow. Doing so will help to prevent the venom from spreading.
  4. Keep the bitten limb immobilized: It is vital to keep the bitten limb immobilized to help slow the spread of the venom. Use a splint or other improvised support to keep the limb comfortable.
  5. Do not try to catch or kill the snake: It is important not to try to capture or kill the snake, as this can be dangerous and may cause further injury. Instead, try to remember what the snake looked like so you can describe it to medical professionals.
  6. Please do not use a tourniquet: Tourniquets are no longer recommended for snake bites, as they can cause tissue damage and may even be life-threatening.
  7. Do not cut the bite or try to suck out the venom: These methods are ineffective and can cause further injury.

In conclusion, if you get bitten by a rattlesnake while hiking, it is essential to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Remain calm and try to immobilize the bitten limb, but do not try to catch or kill the snake or use a tourniquet. Instead, follow these steps to help manage the bite and minimize potential complications.

Anxiety needs to Go

Anxiety is a normal and natural human emotion that everyone experiences from time to time. However, it can interfere with daily life and well-being when anxiety becomes intense, persistent, and challenging to manage. If you are struggling with anxiety, several strategies may help you overcome it:

  1. Seek professional help: A mental health professional, such as a therapist or psychologist, can help you identify the causes of your anxiety and develop a treatment plan.
  2. Practice relaxation techniques: Techniques such as deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, and mindfulness meditation can help you relax and manage your anxiety.
  3. Exercise regularly: Regular physical activity reduces anxiety and improves mood.
  4. Get enough sleep: Sleep deprivation can increase anxiety, so it is vital to get enough rest.
  5. Eat a healthy diet: Eating a well-balanced diet rich in nutrients can help improve your overall physical and mental health.
  6. Limit caffeine and alcohol: Caffeine and alcohol are stimulants that can increase anxiety. Limiting your intake of these substances can help reduce stress.
  7. Practice good self-care: Engage in activities that you find enjoyable, and that help you relax, such as reading, spending time in nature, or listening to music.
  8. Challenge negative thoughts: Negative thoughts and worry are common in anxiety. Challenging these thoughts and replacing them with more positive ones can be helpful.
  9. Try different treatments: There are many treatments for anxiety, including medication and therapy. Finding the treatment that works best for you may take some trial and error.
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Remember, it is essential to be patient and persistent when overcoming anxiety. Finding the right combination of strategies that work for you may take time, but with the right help and support, it is possible to manage and reduce your anxiety.