Prep Genrl Weekly prep thread - April 28 - May 4, 2024

SouthernBreeze

Has No Life - Lives on TB
Good morning, All.

It's going to be another beautiful day. 85 degrees and partly cloudy. Rain coming in tomorrow. We might get a few rumbles of thunder, too. Nothing severe, though. It's that time of the year that I can go through the house and open all the windows to let a nice breeze blow through the house. No fans or ac needed, yet.

More gardening, today, since we're not having home fellowship. It's our weekend off, and DS and DDIL are on a trip. A company paid fishing trip at that. They will be back home later tonight.

Nature is fun to watch. Cary and I watched a little house wren build her nest above the outdoor light on our back deck. We watched as she set on a nest of eggs. Watched the babies hatch and watched her and her mate feed the babies. The nest got crowded, so we watched as they grew, and they would watch us over the edge of the nest. This morning, we watched them fly the nest. We said our good-byes. We also have a house wren nest on our front porch that we're watching. Mama is still setting on her eggs.

The simple country life.
 

kyrsyan

Has No Life - Lives on TB
I managed to get the body out to finish clearing and leveling the spot for the new bed before my spine had completely nasty language to use on me. I may have to focus indoors for the rest of today and tackle the next of the garden tasks this week.
 

Meemur

Voice on the Prairie / FJB!
My plans keep changing. It was pouring rain this morning, so I did some cooking for the week: whole chicken, several pork chops with a crushed corn flake coating (last of the corn flakes) and several baked potatoes.

It was supposed to rain all day, but it's dry and clearing at the moment. I'm loading up rain gear and heading out for a walk, plus I'll try to finish the rest of the errands while I'm out. I made other plans initially because I was worried about hail, but I think it'll come later, if we get it.

I'm working over-time to protect my car. I have other expenses right now and can't afford a new windshield if we get some of that golf-ball sized hail (and larger) that's been happening. Usually, that's more of an August worry, but the storms that have been blowing through have been especially nasty.
 

SouthernBreeze

Has No Life - Lives on TB
We got those little seedling tomato plants in the planter boxes. 16 tomato plants in all and 6 bell pepper plants. All finished, until the tiller is fixed. I might talk Cary into using one of the 4x20 footer beds for bush green beans, instead of flowers, once the tiller gets fixed. As long as we can get them out in the next couple of weeks. Squash, too.

Good thing we got it all done, today. Rain wasn't forecast until tomorrow, but it's already moving in. Thunder in the distance. No severe storms anticipated, but we'll see.

Another week of no plans to go anywhere or do anything major, except Thursday, which is our next shopping day. I'll be buying for the whole month, plus adding more to the pantry, so I anticipate it to be a rather large bill. My list is quite large. I also have a Blair order to send off for 2 tops and 1 pair of jeans. A Vitacost order to send off, too, for our vitamins and supplements. It's our first time ordering from them.

Cary wanted to go get carry out pizzas for our supper, tonight. I have no problems with that at all. Pizza is my absolute favorite food! The small Mom and Pop country store and restaurant down the road about 2 miles makes the best. I call our order in, and Cary goes and picks them up.
 

Digger

Veteran Member
I recieved an email that my well bucket is on the way. That will be a relief to have it. We still need the pulley and rope or chain.

I defrosted the freezer at one end where the lid was not closed good. That will make digging around much easier. The baskets fit much easier without that frost in the corner. I used my hair dryer and an egg Turner to remove it in just a short time. I should have taken care of that job a long time ago.

Now I am going to try to do a couple of things in the garden between rain showers.
 

nomifyle

TB Fanatic
Vitacost also carries some food items
yes, they do. During the plandemic I stocked up on several types of canned goods. Of course. the prices are a bit higher now, but still good prices.

Church was good, it was about being a good neighbor. Then we went out to lunch to a place we'd been to once before, but DH didn't care for it. Today we got fish and shrimp bowls. I thought it was good, but as usual when DH sets his mind to not like a place all he did was complain. Still as long as we are together we are blessed. (i've learned to ignore his complaints and take them with a grain of salt). We are blessed to have each other and we both feel that way, neither of us are perfect, LOL. The place is always crowded.

I was coughing so bad awhile ago, it was getting really hot in the house (87) I had to bite the bullet and turn on the ac. Its a littler earlier than when I turned it on the last couple of days and then only for a couple of hours. I'm okay at 80, with fans on me.

I've been working on my next grocery list, but for the most part I can't see we need anything any time soon, maybe cottage cheese in another week, but everything else I'm good to go on. We don't drink milk and I have bread in the freezer for the little of that we consume.

The rain may start later in the evening.

A lady at church told me Sam's memberships until 4/30 are $14. I jumped on it when I got home and then I found out the one closest to me does not carry Perrier in the glass bottles. We'd have to go way out of our way. At least it was only $14. I looked around what sam's has and really could not find anything to get excited about to buy there.
 

kyrsyan

Has No Life - Lives on TB
Oh. Pool pump started fine. There is an air leak. I'm going to let it run for another hour before I shut it off for the night. That should get all the starter chemicals good and mixed in.

I got the turf cuts made before the body completely rebelled.

Repair folks came back to try to finish sanding. Didn't quite finish but I can go ahead and prime one section.

SB reminded me about local butchers. There is one in the city that carries goat, ostrich, and rabbit. I think I'll see if I can run by on Friday and see the selection.

Today I sent home duck, a turkey, and a ham cut with a friend whose budget is a bit tight.

Anyways, waiting for dinner. And then, hopefully, an early night.
 

briches

Veteran Member
Morning all.
I continue to be amazed at all that you get done each day. :rs:

I have been actively working down my pantry, reorganizing it, and (gasp) getting rid of items we won’t use. We have three shelves full in our spare bedroom, and I would like to get all of it worked into the front closet area that dh transformed into a pantry since we don’t have much storage.
I am ready to have it back as a functional, organized bedroom.

I sold my Wrangler yesterday (!) and am actively looking for a replacement vehicle. I loved my Jeep, but it was time. I got a fair, good price for her (Carvana) and am looking for something reliable that will last me for 10-12 years (Toyota or Honda).

My school year is closing in … summer is around the corner.

Slow and steady for me ….
Have a blessed day everyone.
 

ginnie6

Veteran Member
We stayed home yesterday....I had a rona exposure Wednesday so just making sure I don't have it.
Our garden is for the most part in. I still need to get some beans going, another batch of tomatoes in a week or two, and the corn and okra. Those two will be the last to plant.
I did a deep clean on the fridge this past weekend and the pantry shelves are on the schedule this week.
I also need to get the pool finished cleaning and refilled. Gotta get it ready for the grand baby to go "Grannie swim" in her words. :-) The chemicals for that are now ridiculous! The same jug of bleach/algaecide I used to pay $3.29 for is now 5.67 at WM and of course they were out Saturday. Lowes has it but it's $2 more a gallon! They weren't thrilled but they did price match for us. Now I just need to get enough to last the whole season since come the end of June it won't be on the store shelves because it will be time for halloween merchandise.
 

WanderLore

Veteran Member
Morning y'all. Chores, meds, breakfast done. Mowed part yesterday, finish back today.
Then wash ups and this evening take grands to meet new band.
Got the spraying almost all done again.

Oh! While I was in bed last night, a moth or something flew in my ear. It was way down there. I finally gave up and after an hour it came out. Kind of freaky feeling it flap and try to get out. Ug.

Ostrich is really good meat. I always liked it.
I got the garden areas sprayed again. Next week see what I can get in there. The lilacs have bloomed so that's my sign.
Hip still hurts so have to be careful and not pivot. Trigger thumb is bad in morning but eases up through the day.
Doc appt tomorrow in big city. Infection doc. Last med ball goes in in the morning.
Then see when he can get the central line out.
Onward and upward!
 

Illini Warrior

Illini Warrior
Morning y'all. Chores, meds, breakfast done. Mowed part yesterday, finish back today.
Then wash ups and this evening take grands to meet new band.
Got the spraying almost all done again.

Oh! While I was in bed last night, a moth or something flew in my ear. It was way down there. I finally gave up and after an hour it came out. Kind of freaky feeling it flap and try to get out. Ug.

Ostrich is really good meat. I always liked it.
I got the garden areas sprayed again. Next week see what I can get in there. The lilacs have bloomed so that's my sign.
Hip still hurts so have to be careful and not pivot. Trigger thumb is bad in morning but eases up through the day.
Doc appt tomorrow in big city. Infection doc. Last med ball goes in in the morning.
Then see when he can get the central line out.
Onward and upward!

the worst bug to get crawled tite into the ear is a spider or leggy beetle type - the doc has a hell of a time with all that leg support ....
 

SouthernBreeze

Has No Life - Lives on TB
No rain here, yet. It's still some distance away to our west. So, Cary is outside changing the blades on the lawn mower and sharpening them.

Light housework for me. Nothing else really going on, today.

We still have a whole pizza left from last night, so that will be our lunch, today. After eating a big lunch, we won't be too hungry for supper. We'll have ham and Swiss sandwiches if we get hungry, before bedtime.
 
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nomifyle

TB Fanatic
Lots of rain here last night, heavy rain, it's overcast and everything looks green and heavy from the rain. I just saw one of our larger goats reach up, standing on her hind legs and grab some leaves off of a tree limb. They must taste delicious to her.

Our bad boy goat got out yesterday, a lady down the road texted me about a goat being out. People around here are very nice about letting us know when they see a goat out. This particular goat's mother was stolen when he was just weining. He's been an odd boy ever since, he's a handsome fellow with long angel ears. DH found him and put him in a pasture by himself to punish him, they prefer not being alone. DH found the hole where he got out and patched it. Our wonderful dog digs the holes to get in and out of the goat pasture and this wilely boy finds them and gets out too.

I can see the chickens running around and flapping their wings. We are getting upwards to 20 eggs a day. DH sells them at church for $2 a dozen and gives the left over ones away.

The only thing we have planted are tomatoes. DH may plant some squash and zucchini at some point, maybe.
 

SouthernBreeze

Has No Life - Lives on TB
Lots of rain here last night, heavy rain, it's overcast and everything looks green and heavy from the rain. I just saw one of our larger goats reach up, standing on her hind legs and grab some leaves off of a tree limb. They must taste delicious to her.

Our bad boy goat got out yesterday, a lady down the road texted me about a goat being out. People around here are very nice about letting us know when they see a goat out. This particular goat's mother was stolen when he was just weining. He's been an odd boy ever since, he's a handsome fellow with long angel ears. DH found him and put him in a pasture by himself to punish him, they prefer not being alone. DH found the hole where he got out and patched it. Our wonderful dog digs the holes to get in and out of the goat pasture and this wilely boy finds them and gets out too.

I can see the chickens running around and flapping their wings. We are getting upwards to 20 eggs a day. DH sells them at church for $2 a dozen and gives the left over ones away.

The only thing we have planted are tomatoes. DH may plant some squash and zucchini at some point, maybe.

The joys of country living, Judy! I enjoy watching nature do its thing, too. Farm animals are my favorite, but we don't have any of those. We're still watching our mama bird sit on her nest, and we have barn owls that roost in the big oak tree in our yard every night. They come out to feed just as it's beginning to get dark. They love lightening bugs, LOL! Fun to watch them dive after them. They don't even mind us sitting out on the front porch watching them.

Cary's best friend, our fresh egg supplier, got rid of all his chickens. I wish we could find someone else that would supply us. Store bought eggs just don't have any taste to them, but it's all we have right now. As rural as we are, one would think more folks would raise chickens. I wouldn't mind having a few ourselves, but no funds to build a coop and pen right now. I still haven't got my greenhouse, either.
 

SouthernBreeze

Has No Life - Lives on TB
Sheree I hear ya on the coop. I was lucky to get a 10x10 dog kennel back then, $198. Can't get that today.
I used an old picnic table that was broke up, to attach a shelter. 3 plastic panels on the roof frame Scot made. They really like the old dog house in there to lay eggs in.

Yeah, the cost to build from scratch is more than what we have to spend on it right now. We lost a lot of our wealth in the scam, and it's going to take some time to build it all back. We're trying to lay in more storage food and supplies right now, without any more large expenditures. I want a greenhouse so bad, but that's going to have to wait, too.
 

Meemur

Voice on the Prairie / FJB!
I still have limited energy, but it's getting better. I'd like to have 3 hens, but I don't think I have the energy to manage them, so I'm buying eggs from neighbors, and I'll buy some whole, dressed chickens when it's time for them to go to freezer camp in the fall.

Still rainy here. I'm trying to get work done before the next round of storms.
 

SouthernBreeze

Has No Life - Lives on TB
I still have limited energy, but it's getting better. I'd like to have 3 hens, but I don't think I have the energy to manage them, so I'm buying eggs from neighbors, and I'll buy some whole, dressed chickens when it's time for them to go to freezer camp in the fall.

Still rainy here. I'm trying to get work done before the next round of storms.

Cary's friend supplied us with 3 doz at a time and were free. He is just that kind of person. Always going out of his way to help others. We begged him to take some pay for them, but No. None of his ever went to freezer camp, so no fresh whole chickens for us.
 

nomifyle

TB Fanatic
I still have limited energy, but it's getting better. I'd like to have 3 hens, but I don't think I have the energy to manage them, so I'm buying eggs from neighbors, and I'll buy some whole, dressed chickens when it's time for them to go to freezer camp in the fall.

Still rainy here. I'm trying to get work done before the next round of storms.
I have limited energy too, but I think I could take care of the chickens and ugh gather the eggs if DH couldn't, but then again its all set up for them. I say ugh about gathering the eggs because I'm not fond of going in the chicken house because the floor is full of chicken poop, and I hate chicken poop.

No freezer camp for our chickens, DH gives them to the pigs. And besides we are not big chicken eaters.
 

Meemur

Voice on the Prairie / FJB!
We are right at the edge of town, and keeping chickens is slightly problematic. They can't smell or neighbors will complain -- and rightly so. I would need to be a little farther out, and then I could basically free range them.

In general, it's too cold (sometimes getting down to -10) to over-winter them, unless one already has a barn or a heated shed of some sort. It's more cost effective to send them to freezer camp. Out here, they aren't pets or treated as such, although they do receive good care.
 

SouthernBreeze

Has No Life - Lives on TB
We are right at the edge of town, and keeping chickens is slightly problematic. They can't smell or neighbors will complain -- and rightly so. I would need to be a little farther out, and then I could basically free range them.

In general, it's too cold (sometimes getting down to -10) to over-winter them, unless one already has a barn. It's more cost effective to send them to freezer camp. Out here, they aren't pets or treated as such, although they do receive good care.

Our problem would be making pets out of them. We get too easily attached to things. I had a pet rooster, once, that I raised from the time he hatched on dead flies I caught/killed for him. He wanted me to tote him everywhere I went around the property. Sat in my lap like a child. He died a ripe old age after my grandfather accidentally stepped on him out the back door and broke his legs. Grandfather put him down. That was a sad day for me. NO, he wasn't eaten!

His name was Junior.
 

Meemur

Voice on the Prairie / FJB!
I live down the road from working farms: dairy, pig, and growers of soy and corn. There are some chickens. Given the tight cash flow, chickens have to pull their weight financially, and lots of families forego having them because they have to be carefully managed and with the potential bird flu problems, more farmers are just saying no.

That said, there are "invisible" small flocks that are kept far "out back" and butchered in the fall. In general, these eggs are kept only for the family, but I get gifted periodically. I also help with clean-up and running older children and elderly to appointments. These are just not large, rich operations, and I'm seeing first-hand why the family farms are struggling so hard to hang on.
 

nomifyle

TB Fanatic
I live in a very rural community, very few folks in my generation and younger have gardens, or farm animals. Everything comes from the grocery store. There are a very few exceptions though, my young friend Morgan and her husband, and I have a cousin my age that has always done what a country boy does, garden, and he has all kinds of feathered animals. He's been an avid hunter, but like most our age is slowing down.

He has several hunting dogs, for deer and squirrils. He had this pretty and sweet little dog to train for sauirrels. She didn't work out so he took her for a one way trip to the woods. I was really pissed at him for this, I would have gladly taken her. I called him dog killer for awhile. he's the one I called to put down my two beloved goat killing dogs. It took me years to get over it and just thinking about it still makes me sad. But once they get a taste its just very difficult to break them of it. It was also heart breaking to see the two dead goats that had been brutilized. Hard choices on a farm.
 

SouthernBreeze

Has No Life - Lives on TB
I live down the road from working farms: dairy, pig, and growers of soy and corn. There are some chickens. Given the tight cash flow, chickens have to pull their weight financially, and lots of families forego having them because they have to be carefully managed and with the potential bird flu problems, more farmers are just saying no.

That said, there are "invisible" small flocks that are kept far "out back" and butchered in the fall. In general, these eggs are kept only for the family, but I get gifted periodically. I also help with clean-up and running older children and elderly to appointments. These are just not large, rich operations, and I'm seeing first-hand why the family farms are struggling so hard to hang on.

We're surrounded by working farms here. Hogs, goats, and cows are the animal farms. Corn, soybeans, and cotton in the fields. No chickens that I know of. There used to be, but everyone that I know have gone out of the chicken business. They don't even raise them for themselves.
 

SouthernBreeze

Has No Life - Lives on TB
I live in a very rural community, very few folks in my generation and younger have gardens, or farm animals. Everything comes from the grocery store. There are a very few exceptions though, my young friend Morgan and her husband, and I have a cousin my age that has always done what a country boy does, garden, and he has all kinds of feathered animals. He's been an avid hunter, but like most our age is slowing down.

He has several hunting dogs, for deer and squirrils. He had this pretty and sweet little dog to train for sauirrels. She didn't work out so he took her for a one way trip to the woods. I was really pissed at him for this, I would have gladly taken her. I called him dog killer for awhile. he's the one I called to put down my two beloved goat killing dogs. It took me years to get over it and just thinking about it still makes me sad. But once they get a taste its just very difficult to break them of it. It was also heart breaking to see the two dead goats that had been brutilized. Hard choices on a farm.

Yeah, Judy. Like I said, we're surrounded by farms and farmland here in our small community, but I only know of one person who has a garden. This family is our nearest neighbor, and they are black and retired. Best people in the world. Hard workers, and they are very neat and clean. People outside the community would never know a black family lives there just by driving by. From the size of their 2 gardens and variety of veggies I see them grow every year, they have enough to never buy from the grocery store at all. We just don't see a lot of family gardens around here anymore. They have become few and far between.
 

anna43

Veteran Member
We had a nice lot of rain the last few days. On the new drought map we are now on the border of abnormally dry and moderate drought. There are still areas in east central and northeast central Iowa in extreme drought. Categories are abnormally dry, moderate drought, severe drought, extreme drought and exceptional drought. We've been in each of the categories over the last nine years and this is the first time we have been just abnormally dry. Only the far northwest corner and far east and southeast parts of the state are not in some form of drought even after recent rains.

With all the rain we've had the last few days, there is no standing water in the yard or garden. It is supposed to rain Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday so we may get to puddles yet!

I cut more asparagus this a.m. It is COLD out. Weather report says "light breeze" of 18 mph. Wind is out of the west and COLD. I put on a light jacket and headscarf to get the mail but was smarter and wore winter coat and warm scarf to cut asparagus. Don't know if I mentioned it here, but the last asparagus I cooked in the microwave. I totally cremated it, and the stink is just now out of the house or maybe I've adjusted to the smell!! I usually steam it and believe me when I say I'll never put it in the microwave again.

Very few of the farmers around here have gardens. Could be because most of the wives work in town. Or maybe because average age of farmers is 50 to 60 range statewide. Maybe nationwide. They may have a couple tomato plants but often not even that. My next-door neighbor has a garden but the two houses behind me do not. Hoarder house is still empty but has been sold with the intent of flipping. The younger farm wives I know don't want to can. I offered jars to one lady, and she told me if she can't freeze it, she won't do it. She is not a lazy person so guess it's a matter of not understanding the importance of preps. The senior complex across from me allows a garden and someone or several someones plant a decent garden every year.

I'm waiting on delivery of my new used dryer. I have several loads of laundry accumulated due to the rain. I could have hung laundry in the basement but didn't want to carry heavy baskets down the stairs. Also, I'd need to put new lines up and didn't want to do that either! If for some reason the dryer doesn't get delivered today, I will need to put up the new lines and carry at least one load down to hang.
 

WanderLore

Veteran Member
Most out here have gardens and can. There are exceptions. Those we can offload our excess if needed.
We're in Michigan and it's cold in winter let me tell you. I usually lose one chicken over the winter. I used to have dozens of them and every other kind of bird lol. But circumstances have to dictate.
I told Scot we're not getting anymore animals. We'll take care of what we got and that's it.

I was able to get away tonight and take my two grandsons to the new little kitchen band to join. They are just mostly older folks and some younger. Play at senior centers and so on. Just for fun. Boys enjoyed themselves and will go on church bus tomorrow to perform. Then out to lunch. Everyone welcomed them and they played a duet at the end.
My son got off work and sat with Scot so I could go. He has a rough day. DOA in dump truck vs SUV. Couple suicidals.
Other crazy stuff. Still willing come sit with Pa. Who is just not doing well even 3 weeks home. Doc appt tomorrow. See what they say.
Hope to get something planted over the next month.
 

SouthernBreeze

Has No Life - Lives on TB
Lots of rain overnight. No storms, though. Rain again for Friday. High of 82 today, and our high tomorrow will be bumping 90 degrees.

Cary and Frisco are off to take the tiller to the shop. He talked to the mechanic over the phone, before he left. The guy said that it might not be able to be fixed, but he would try. Don't know what we'll do if it can't be. Give up raised bed gardening altogether, I guess. It's too much for Cary to do it all with a shovel. Cary might buy another one, but we're trying so hard not to have any big expenditures while we build back that one savings account that was scammed. We're making progress.

Not much for me to do, today. I'm saving a load of laundry to do tomorrow, so I can hang them on the outside clothesline to dry. It will be my first load of the season to dry outside.

Polish Kielbasa with kraut, steamed and buttered potatoes, sauteed yellow squash and onions in butter, and Kaiser rolls for supper, tonight. No dessert. We ate the last of the butter pecan cake last night.
 

nomifyle

TB Fanatic
DH had canned beef stew, cheese and crackers and sweet pickles last night for supper. I cut up some cucumbers and tomatoes and added balsamic vinegar and stirred in a can of tuna for my supper last night. No rain today so DH is going to get feed. Rain later in the week.

The egg production is getting smaller and I'm wondering if something is getting the chickens again, I sure hope not. DH has fortified the chicken yard as best as he can, which is a lot.

From all the heavy rain we got the other night only one smallish limb fell, lots of delishous green leaves on it for the goats.

I'm thinking about rearranging the shelves in the fridg. Things are getting lost in there.
 

SouthernBreeze

Has No Life - Lives on TB
SouthernBreeze, around here you can rent a tiller at Ace Hardware. Or maybe see if you could hire it done. Some of the equipment rental companies might have one also.

Cary just got back, and the mechanic is going to work on it. We'll see how it goes. I told Cary that it would pay us to go buy a new tiller, but not one as big as the huge Troybilt he has now. That thing works him to death, and he can no longer use it. It won't work for raised beds, anyway. Too big. He doesn't want another little one like what's in the shop. We need one that will be large enough to till up a regular garden plot, and no more raised beds.

He's thinking about doing that, but it will have to be budgeted in, somehow. We don't make payments. All of our spending is done in cash.
 
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WanderLore

Veteran Member
Sheree, if you can't do the tiller, you can always do no till. How I do it is cover the garden area in the fall. Use plastic, tarps, boards whatever you have. Throw tires or rocks bricks etc in top. Leave it until your ready to plant next spring. Lift up the cover and the soil is beautiful and just needs a hoe for the farrow of seeds, or just where you plan to put your seedlings.
It's too late in the year now. But I used to do this every year and it worked very good. All weeds gone and soil just perfect.
 

SouthernBreeze

Has No Life - Lives on TB
Sheree, if you can't do the tiller, you can always do no till. How I do it is cover the garden area in the fall. Use plastic, tarps, boards whatever you have. Throw tires or rocks bricks etc in top. Leave it until your ready to plant next spring. Lift up the cover and the soil is beautiful and just needs a hoe for the farrow of seeds, or just where you plan to put your seedlings.
It's too late in the year now. But I used to do this every year and it worked very good. All weeds gone and soil just perfect.

Yes. We've thought about doing that, too, at least with the raised beds. If we had a regular garden tiller, one big enough, we could have a larger regular garden every year. Cary used the big TroyBilt last year, and we had a nice regular garden along with the raised beds. It broke him down after using it several times, and he said, "No more".
 
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