New member here - I've been a frequent visitor for the past 5 or 6 years. Always been a preparedness geek (I mean that in the best way). I'm a 50 year old guy who grew up on enough land to have fun on. Some fond memories from when I was about 10 or 11 of Saturdays when I grabbed a 22 rifle off the rack and told Mom I was going out for a few hours; she smiled and told me to be home for dinner (and this was in NJ!) ... different times then. Anyhow, I've used a wheelchair for better than 30 years and have always been an independent sort. Married a wonderful woman 25 years ago who puts up with my preparedness hobby and has now partially bought into it (except for my methods of self defense which make her nervous). My job usually requires me to be the last out of the building, at least when we close for a blizzard or whatever - I work in an urban environment.

Well, I was floundering around getting some worthless gear with no plan when I discovered ETS. You folks are the best. I've been taking your advice for years and feel like now I'm in pretty good shape. I have most of what I think I need; both of our cars are equipped; and I'm in the tweaking stage (the most fun, really). We're rigged to both help ourselves and others and rely on others when that seems like a good idea. While I do what I want, go where I want, and have a decent job - there are things I can't do. I've taken that into consideration and made adjustments to supplies accordingly.

Anyhow, I decided to make my first post a big thank you to Doug, the folks who keep the website/forum going, and the rest of you who have made my life safer and better without even knowing me.

Peace.